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MEMORIALS 



OF 



DECEASED 



OF 




&\\t J&ocfetg of iFrieirts. 



"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: 
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; 
and their works do follow them." Rev. xiv. 13. 



PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED BY JOSEPH AND WILLIAM KITE, 

No. 50 North Fourth Street. 



1843. 




(( 



x<\\ 






PREFACE. 



Throughout the different periods of our his- 
tory, as a distinct religious Society, there has been 
amongst us a succession of dedicated followers of 
the Lord Jesus Christ ; who, through the power 
and efficacy of Divine grace, have been enabled, 
by a humble and circumspect walking in the fear 
of God, to afford convincing evidence to those 
around them, that their's was " the victory that 
overcometh the world," even that " faith which 
worketh by love," " purifying the heart." 

The following pages contain memorials of some 
of these. Amongst the number here selected, the 
reader will find notices of individuals who were 
conspicuously engaged in advocating the cause of 
the blessed Redeemer ; and the remembrance of 
them, and of their labours, is precious to many. 
Others, perhaps not less subjected to the sanctify- 
ing influence of the Spirit of Truth, were led in a 
more hidden path ; and the fulness of their light 
did not diffuse itself, until the day was about to 
close, when the brightness of the Sun of righteous- 
ness shone around them, and gilded the dark "val- 
ley of the shadow of death." 

There is, in the economy of Divine grace, a great 
diversity of operation ; yet all in harmony and in- 
finite wisdom. And whatever may be the varied 
gifts, or the external circumstances which distin- 
guish the disciples of a crucified Saviour, " It is 



IV PREFACE. 

the same God who worketh all in all." And may 
we ever be impressed with the deeply instructive 
and encouraging truth, that this working of the 
Spirit produced in each the same blessed result ; 
that, whereas in our fallen state by nature, we are 
all " the servants of sin," those in whom this 
transforming power is suffered effectually to ope- 
rate, become " servants to God," having their "fruit 
unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." 

The object in this compilation is not to eulogise 
the dead, but to magnify the goodness and mercy 
of " Him who loved" them, "and washed them 
from their sins in his own blood ;" and to excite 
survivors to use all diligence to make their calling 
and election sure, remembering the solemn injunc- 
tion : " Be ye also ready, for it such an hour as 
ye think not the Son of Man cometh." 



MEMORIALS. 



Joseph White. — In reading the memorial of 
Joseph White, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 
we have been forciply impressed with that decla- 
ration, u The memory of the just is blessed." Prov. 
x. 7. And as it will probably be new to many of 
our readers, and is calculated to prove deeply in- 
structive to all, we consider it desirable to give it 
a place in this collection. 

He was born at the Falls, on the 28th of the 
Eleventh month, 1713. Being young when his 
father died, he was brought up under the care of 
his relations and friends ; and through the extend- 
ings of heavenly regard whilst young, and attend- 
ing to the teachings of Divine grace, he was pre- 
served from many of the follies and extravagancies 
incident to unthinking youth. About the twentieth 
year of his age, he spoke as a minister in our re- 
ligious meetings, and, continuing in a good degree 
faithful to the measure of light and grace commu- 
nicated, he grew in his gift, and became a lively 
and able minister of the gospel of Christ. 

He was naturally of an open and cheerful dis- 
position, and honestlly concerned for the promotion 
of piety and virtue, and for the support and main- 
tenance of good order in the church ; for which 
service he was eminently gifted, being often con- 
cerned that the authority of Truth might be kept 
up in all our meetings for discipline. He was 
1* 



6 JOSEPH WHITE. 

exemplary in his life and conversation, a diligent 
and timely attender of our religious meetings, 
when health of body permitted ; and was often 
favoured therein in public testimony and suppli- 
cation, much to the comfort and edification of the 
truly humble worshippers. And although he had 
a large gift in the ministry, he many times sat 
meetings in silence, waiting upon the Lord ; not 
being hasty or forward in the exercise of his gift ; 
but careful not to minister without the heavenly 
life and power that first raised him up in the min- 
istry, whereby his public service was greatly to 
the consolation and refreshment of many. 

He was, at different times, engaged in the love 
of the gospel, to visit his friends in his own and 
several of the adjacent provinces ; also in Mary- 
land, Virginia, and North Carolina. And having, 
for some considerable time, been weightily im- 
pressed with a sense of duty to pay a similar visit 
to Friends in Europe, he, with the concurrence 
and unity of his brethren, took shipping for that 
purpose, in the year 1758, and after a short pas- 
sage, landed in England ,• and having pretty gen- 
erally visited Friends' meetings in England and 
Ireland, and some parts of Wales, he returned to 
his beloved family, having been from home in that 
service nearly three years. He produced certifi- 
cates of Friends' unity and good satisfaction with 
him, and his public labours amongst them. He 
was divers times engaged in visiting families, being 
well qualified for that weighty service. He much 
enjoyed the company and conversation of his 
friends, was a loving and affectionate husband, a 
tender parent, and a good neighbour ; generally 



JOSEPH WHITE. 7 

beloved by those who knew him; being in several 
r espects useful in the neighbourhood where he lived. 
He was from his youth subject to frequent at- 
tacks of indisposition, but as he advanced further 
in age, intermissions of health grew short, and 
pains increased, which brought on, other bodily 
infirmities, which he bore with patience and resig- 
nation ; often craving he might not be off his 
watch when his pains were exquisite, nor his faith 
fail in the time of trial. He believed it to be 
through the goodness of God, that he was thus 
dealt with, in order more and more to wean him 
from all outward connexions and nearest ties of 
nature, that, being as the pure gold refined through 
the furnace, he might with triumph join the re- 
deemed that were gone before, which he at times 
had a foretaste of; but the time when, as he him- 
self sometimes expressed, he did not then see, be- 
lieving it to be consistent with Divine wisdom to 
keep it hid from him. During the latter part of 
his time for several months, he slept but little in 
the night season, being at times engaged in reve- 
rent intercessions and divine contemplation, and 
appeared to be waiting for the solemn moment. 

He lived in the compass of the Falls particular 
meeting until a few years before his death, and 
then removed to Makefield, (a branch of the same 
monthly meeting ;) and having for a considerable 
time felt strong desires (if favoured with health) 
to go to the Falls meeting, on a monthly meeting 
day, he set out for that purpose, but the weather 
being cold, and he in a weak state of health, he 
soon found himself unable to perform the journey, 
and returned home. But some time after, feeling 
his bodily health somewhat restored, and love re- 



8 JOSEPH WHITE. 

newed, he set out, in company with his wife, one 
First-day morning, and got to the meeting, where 
he was favoured with an open time in public testi- 
mony, much to the satisfaction of those present. 

After the meeting was over, and Friends gone 
out, a Friend being desirous of speaking to him, 
not seeing him out of doors, returned into the 
house, and found him sitting on a seat unable to 
move without help; and he was taken to the house 
of a Friend. The attack, being of the paralytic 
kind, continued ebbing and flowing for some hours, 
in which time lie uttered many weighty expres- 
sions ; some of which being taken down, are near- 
ly as follows : 

Being asked by his son how it was with him, 
he answered, " I do not know but that I am near 
my end. My desire at this time for thee is, that 
thou seek unto the Lord for assistance, to govern 
thee in thy conduct in this fluctuating life ; for I 
have found Him to be a sure help and counsellor 
to me. If thou follow after Him in truth and sin- 
cerity, as I have endeavoured to do, He will be 
unto thee a sufficient director, a teacher that can- 
not be removed into a corner. I have not been 
anxious to gather a portion of this world, nor 
make to myself mammon of unrighteousness; for 
I think I have seen a snare that has attended 
many young people on these accounts. 1 have 
ever from my youth had a desire to be more in 
substance than in show ; let me appear as I might 
in the sight of men, their praise I sought not for ; 
but I have sought the honour of God, and there 
is a place, where no trouble shall annoy, prepared 
for me. — You that stay, be more humble, and 
when trouble awaits you, look not upon, nor trust 



JOSEPH WHITE. 9 

to, the arm of flesh for assistance, but stay your- 
selves upon Him who suffered for you, for me, 
and for all mankind ; for I have for some time 
believed, and lived in the hope thereof, and am 
now in measure confirmed, of more glorious things 
yet to be revealed in the church of Christ, and 
that further and greater discoveries will yet be 
made, with respect to the Christian religion, than 
ever yet has been since the apostacy." 

And after a short pause, he broke out into these 
expressions: " The door is open ; I see an innu- 
merable company of saints, of angels, and the 
spirits of just men, which I long to be unembodied 
to be with : but not my will, but thine be done, 
Oh Lord ! I cannot utter nor my tongue express, 
what I feel of that light, life, and love that attends 
me, which the world can neither give, nor take 
away from me. My sins are washed away by 
the blood of the Lamb that was slain from the 
foundation of the world ; all rags and filthiness 
are taken away, and in room thereof love and 
good will for all mankind. Oh, that we may be- 
come more united in the church militant, and 
nearer resemble the church triumphant! Oh, that 
we all might make such an end as I have in pros- 
pect! for it is all light, all life, all love, and all 
peace. The light that I see is more glorious than 
the sun in the firmament ! Come, Lord Jesus 
Christ ! come when thou pleasest, thy servant is 
ready and willing ; into thy hands I commit my 
spirit. Not my will, but thine, be done, Oh Lord ! 
I am near to enter that harmony with Moses and 
the Lamb, where they cry, 'Holy! holy! holy!' 
I cannot expi*ess the joy I feel. — If any inquire 



10 MARY WATSON. 

after me, after my end, let them know all is well 
with me." 

The next day his pain abating, and finding 
himself somewhat relieved from his disorder, he 
was taken to his own house, where he remained 
in a weak state of health for some time, being 
unable to go much abroad : and a short time be- 
fore his death, his pain having been sharp the 
fore part of the night, but abating during the lat- 
ter part of it, his wife fell asleep ; he as usual 
slept not, but after some time called to her in these 
words : " My dear, I believe I must take my leave 
of thee. I have never seen my end till now, and 
now I see it is near, and the holy angels inclose 
me around, waiting to receive me." He departed 
in much stillness as in a sleep, the 10th day of the 
Third month, 1777, and was interred in Friends' 
burying ground at the Falls meeting-house, on the 
12th of the same; his remains being attended 
to the grave by a large number of Friends and 
neighbours. The Friends of his own Monthly 
Meeting, after giving these particulars respecting 
him, add, " May we, under the consideration of 
our great loss of him, and many other faithful 
labourers in the Lord's vineyard, now removed 
from us, be incited so to follow their footsteps, 
that with them, we may be partakers of that in- 
corruptible inheritance, which is reserved for the 
righteous when time here shall be no more." 



Mary Watson, wife of Samuel Watson of the 
county of York, was one who, for the sake of the 



MARY WATSON. 11 

blessed Truth, denied herself, and was made wil- 
ling to part with those things which she thought 
stood in her way, abhorring all manner of evil ; 
she was a tender nursing mother, exhorting and 
building up the young in the most holy faith. 
She spent much of her time in private retirement, 
and was frequent in prayer and praising the Lord, 
delighting in meditation, like Mary, of whom our 
Lord said, " She hath chosen that good part, 
which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 
x. 42, Whilst she had strength of body to go to 
public meetings, she had a word to speak in sea- 
son, suitable to the states and conditions of many : 
and was also instrumental in the Lord's hand, in 
keeping things in good order relating to church 
affairs. 

In the time of her weakness of body, she was 
sometimes under fears concerning her great pas- 
sage from mortality ; but through travail of soul, 
in the living faith which she received of Christ, 
the author of it, she was kept steadfast and ob- 
tained the victory, which God in his own time 
manifested to her soul. And, afterwards she made 
acknowledgments of the same to the refreshment 
of others. 

Several weeks before her decease she mentioned 
" That the work of redemption was wrought and 
completed; and all doubts and fears were removed, 
and now she waited to be dissolved, and to be with 
Christ, who had redeemed and sanctified her :" so 
that as a wise virgin, she was prepared to enter 
into eternal joy ; and was filled with praises while 
any strength remained ; her eye was to that hea- 
venly family, out of all the families of the earth, 



12 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

where she gladly desired to be rejoicing with her 
dear children and relations gone before, (as she 
often expressed.) 

She had a tender regard for her offspring which 
she left behind, that they might, through the grace 
of God, be gathered to Christ Jesus the heavenly 
Shepherd, with many prayers for them ; and her 
exhortation to those who were with her, and also 
for those absent, was, " That they might walk 
humbly before the Lord their Creator, and watch 
against all the evil temptations of this world, the 
flesh, and the vanity and lusts thereof; that no 
pride, vain glory, or intemperance might captivate 
them, but abiding in the holy fear of God, all evil 
would be suppressed and slain upon the cross ; 
and humility, righteousness, meekness of spirit, 
and holiness, should grow up in them, and be to 
them not only as a comely garment, but as a 
never failing portion." 

All visible helps and outward enjoyments fail- 
ing, she had the Lord for her portion, and kept in 
possession of that heavenly treasure in her soul, 
and fed upon that living bread and wine of the 
kingdom, which she is now in the more full enjoy- 
ment of. She often spoke of her being surround- 
ed with the glory of the Lamb, and was sensible 
in her expressions to the last few hours. She gave 
up the ghost in a sweet, still manner, on the 2nd 
day of the Ninth month, 1694. 



The following memoir of Elizabeth Collins, 
of Upper Evesham, New Jersey, North America, 
presents us with a remarkable example of devo- 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 13 

tedness to the love and service of God, of humble 
trust in the Redeemer, and of pious resignation 
under many and complicated afflictions ; and will 
we believe prove instructive and animating to the 
Christian reader. She was born on the 4th of 
the First month, 1755, of religious parents. Her 
father died when she was about six years old. 
u Leaving," she says, " my mother with six small 
children, and not abundance of this world's trea- 
sure to bring us up with, it was my lot to live out 
from home ; and I had some trying seasons to 
pass through, both in body and mind ; but xny 
gracious Helper was near, in those my young 
days, though like Samuel I knew not what it was." 
In consequence of indisposition she was obliged 
to return home ; where, for some years, she had 
the advantage of her mother's tender and watchful 
care ; though mercifully preserved from gross 
sins, yet she was too frequently induced to yield 
to her natural propensities to levity and folly. 
The time of her greatest indulgence in that which 
was evil was previous to her fifteenth year. She 
again left her mother's house, to go out as an ap- 
prentice about the year 1770. In reference to 
this time, she says, " I was much exposed and 
met with many difficulties ; but the invisible arm 
of Divine love and mercy, was near for my pre- 
servation : blessed be the great name of Israel's 
God, who alone preserved me from utter ruin ; in 
the remembrance thereof my soul cannot but bless, 
praise, and magnify his ever- worthy name. Al- 
though I took some delight in company, and light 
conversation, yet I had often to retire and pour 
out my tears before Him who seeth in secret, and 
2 



14 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

who had in mercy visited my soul and given me 
in measure to see the vanity of youthful pastimes, 
that I had too much delighted in. After the ex- 
piration of my apprenticeship, I attended meet- 
ings as steadily as my situation would admit, 
being obliged to go from house to house, to work 
at my trade, in the course of which I met with 
many trials, being much exposed to company." 

She was married about the eighteenth year of 
her age: but in little more than four years, it 
pleased Divine Providence to take from her, her 
affectionate husband. Respecting this deeply af- 
flictive event, she thus writes, " Being now left a 
poor disconsolate widow with two small children, 
I was ready to conclude, that no one's trials could 
exceed mine ; but the Lord, in mercy, was near 
to support and bear up through all, that I did not 
sink below hope, though often brought very low 
both in body and mind, in which seasons I wrote 
the following : ' My heart seemeth humbled with- 
in me, and my desire is, that I may be preserved 
as in the hollow of the Lord's mighty hand, who 
am a poor unworthy creature ; but He is wonder- 
ful in goodness ; He hath spared, pitied, and 
showed mercy, that I am not cast off and quite 
lost. 

" ' Oh ! that my head were as waters, and mine 
eyes as a fountain of tears, that I might weep day 
and night, until acquainted with my God ; Oh, 
that I may receive bread from thy table, and that 
thy grace may abound in me.' 

" A short time after the death of my dear hus- 
band, I had a severe attack of disease, in which I 
had no prospect of recovering, but was quite 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 15 

resigned to the Divine will ; desiring that if He 
saw meet to raise me again, it might be for some 
good end ; in the remembrance of which season, 
I feel breathings of soul, that I may be so attentive 
to the pointings of Truth, and so obedient to my 
dear Lord and Master, as to answer this great end. 
Gracious and Holy Father, may it please Thee 
to strengthen my feeble endeavours, and more 
and more wean me from every thing that obstructs 
the growth of thy pure truth." 

In the year 1778 she was united in marriage 
to Job Collins, and soon afterwards, being then in 
the 24th year of her age, she yielded to an appre- 
hension of duty to speak as a minister in our 
religious assemblies. 

Respecting the state of her mind on entering 
on this new and important work, she says : " My 
mouth being thus opened, I was ready to conclude 
I should be more steadily favoured, and not expe- 
rience such deep exercise as I had passed through ; 
but I was disappointed ; for although I had great 
peace, in giving up to speak a few words in meet- 
ings, when required, yet I often had to experience 
close baptisms ; such stripping seasons, that I 
have been ready to call all in question, and con- 
clude that I have been misled, and that it was not 
required of me to speak in public. But my great 
and good Master, who saw my distress, suffered 
me not to sink, but condescended in mercy to fav- 
our me at seasons, with the lifting up of the light 
of his glorious countenance, whereby my poor 
drooping spirit was raised and comforted. My 
friends also, showed great kindness and sympathy 
towards me." 



16 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

" I had many deep and close exercises to pass 
through, under which nothing short of the Divine 
arm of Omnipotence, could have supported ; and 
about which time I wrote as follows : — ' Unto thee, 
O Thou searcher of hearts, I commit myself! O 
Lord ! search me, and try me ; if there be ini- 
quity in me, do Thou it away. Let not thy blessed 
hand spare, nor thy holy eye pity, until Thou 
hast brought judgment unto victory — until Thou 
hast made of me what Thou pleasest, for thou 
knowest for what cause I am thus tried. O Lord ! 
be pleased to visit my dear children, now in their 
young and tender years; turn their hearts unto 
Thee, and one unto another. Be graciously 
pleased to enable me to keep my place and autho- 
rity over them, in thy Truth. Create in me a 
clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me — 
a right disposition of mind, to bear all things that 
may fall to my lot, for a trial of my faith and love 
unto thee, O Thou beloved of my soul V " 

She several times believed it to be required of 
her to leave her family in order to visit her 
friends in the love and service of the Gospel ; and 
in the year 1793 felt her mind strongly attracted 
to the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia. The yel- 
low fever prevailed at that time in the city, and it 
appeared to be a very serious thing to venture 
thither ; yet her faith was strong that she should 
experience preservation ; and this favour was 
mercifully granted. During her stay there she 
writes as follows- 

" This is a solemn time in this city, wherein 
many houses, great and fair, are left without in- 
habitants, many faces gather paleness, and hearts 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 17 

are filled with sadness. Many, I believe, as was 
formerly recommended, are getting as between 
the porch and the altar, crying, ' Spare thy people, 

Lord ! and give not thine heritage to reproach.' 

1 have entered this city, and remained in it, with- 
out fear, except the fear of the Lord, that at times 
fills the hearts of his humble dependent children. 
May I be truly thankful for this and every other 
mercy." 

She returned home under an humbling sense 
of Divine regard, having to remember those ex- 
pressions of Jacob, ' I crossed this Jordan with 
my staff, and now I am become two bands.' " 1 
had nothing but the staff of faith to lean upon, 
and now in my return, I have to experience a 
good degree of holy quiet, and the incomes of 
sweet peace ; which is more to the immortal soul, 
than all that this world can afford. O ! may it 
be more and more prized, and sought after by me, 
is the desire of my heart. In looking over the 
above remarks, my soul doth bless, praise, and 
magnify, that holy hand and arm which pre- 
served his children unhurt even in the flames, 
whose power is the same, yesterday, to-day, and 
forever." 

She was not long afterwards closely tried by 
the decease of three of her children : but through- 
out this period of affliction, her mind was much 
stayed in humble submission to the dispensations 
of an all- wise God, and she was enabled to adopt 
the language, "Thy will, Oh Father, be done." 
About this time she thus describes the state of her 
own mind. 

" I have been much reduced, and centred in 

2 # 



18 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

nothingness of self, a suitable situation to receive 
the wine of the kingdom ; and through mercy, I 
have had to partake of the incomes of holy good, 
in a larger degree than ever before, for so long 
together, and have been ready to conclude, that 
perhaps my warfare is nearly accomplished ; but 
whether or not, my greatest desire is, that I may 
be fully given up. The world and the things of 
it, have been sunk into such nothingness, that I 
have not a name importing little enough to call 
them by, compared with the joys of eternity, that 
I have had a prospect of. Centre, then, O my 
soul ! more and more within the enclosure of the 
walls of its salvation." 

In the Ninth month, 1796, at the Yearly Meet- 
ing at Philadelphia, she says : " Many weighty 
matters were feelingly and pertinently spoken to, 
and nothing more fully than that of love and unity, 
the badge of true discipleship ; the want of which, 
I believe, is a great loss and hurt to many. This 
subject brought great weight and exercise over 
the meeting, and over me as an individual. 
Great was my desire for Friends in general, and 
more for our particular meeting ; but especially 
my dear offspring, that they might be more and 
more partakers of that love and unity, which be- 
comes and distinguishes Christ's followers ; that 
they may not only be his by creation, but by re- 
demption also; for God is love, and they that 
dwejl in him, dwell in love." 

In the Tenth month, she thus writes : " Thou 
most holy and righteous Lord, art more and more 
weaning me from the pleasant things of this world ; 
perfect thy work to thine own praise. Let not 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 19 

thy hand spare, nor thine eye pity, until Thou 
hast perfected thine intended purpose; until 
Thou hast made of me what Thou pleasest. Thou 
only knowest what food is most convenient for 
me. Be pleased, in mercy, to mete out the dis- 
pensations of thy Providence, in a way and man- 
ner that may tend to the firm establishment of 
my faith in Thee, O Thou immovable Rock ! 

" In looking over my life, even from the days 
of my youth, I have to admire the many preser- 
vations, gracious dealings, tender mercies, and 
loving-kindnesses of the Lord, my bountiful Crea- 
tor, towards me, a poor unworthy creature. My 
soul doth bless, praise, and magnify His great and 
ever-worthy name, and can with some degree of 
propriety adopt the language of Jacob, when He 
blessed Joseph and said, ' God before whom my 
fathers, Abraham and Isaac, did walk, the God 
which fed me all my life long unto this day, the 
angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the 
lads, and let my name be named on them ,* and 
the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac.' 

" But we cannot suppose, that to be called the 
children of Abraham, or of believing parents, will 
do any thing for us. We may remember, that 
our dear Lord and Saviour told some in that day, 
that to be the children of Abraham, was to do the 
works of Abraham ; that it is not a name or a 
profession, but a possession of the Truth that will 
do. 

" Oh ! may the Lord, in mercy, so visit and so 
open the understandings of my dear children, as 
not only to see the beauty of the Truth, but to 
join in, and receive it in the love of it. So wish- 



20 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

eth, and so prayeth, your truly exercised and 
deeply concerned mother." 

In the years 1797, 1798, and 1799, she paid 
several religious visits to her friends, and during 
these engagements she thus writes : — 

" Thou, O Lord ! art strength in our weakness, 
mouth, and wisdom, yea all things to thy humble 
dependent children, whose trust is in Thee, waiting 
for thy putting forth in the way, and gently going 
before them ; blessed be thy holy name forever !" 

A little after she expresses being " thankful in 
heart to the Great Helper of his people, who had 
been near and supported through many close ex- 
ercises, and in much weakness of body, that at 
times it looked unlikely I should be able to get 
through ; but as mine eye was kept single to my 
holy Helper, I had to acknowledge, with the dis- 
ciples, I lacked nothing. Before I set out on 
this little joui'ney, I had many difficulties and 
discouragements to pass through, which ofttimes 
looked insurmountable, like mountains and floods 
that could not be passed over. But as my mind 
became truly given up to him, whose right it is 
to dispose of us as he sees meet, how were those 
difficulties removed, that I could even adopt the 
language of the Psalmist, ' What ailed thee, O 
thou sea, that thou Reddest ! thou Jordan that 
thou wast driven back ! ye mountains that ye 
skipped like rams, and ye little hills like lambs !' 
Thus I had from time to time to set up my Ebe- 
nezer and acknowledge, " hitherto Thou hast 
helped me." 

On returning from one of these gospel missions, 
she says, 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 21 

" In the Eleventh month I reached home, weary 
in body, but comforted in mind, with the reward 
of sweet peace, having been enabled to perform 
the service required of me, in a good degree of 
faithfulness and dedication to Him, who had thus 
called me forth, and was graciously pleased to go 
before and make way. O ! blessed forever be 
his great name ! who continues to be the never- 
failing Helper of his humble dependent children, 
who put their whole trust in him ; and who has 
supported through many trials and deep proba- 
tions, yea, sweetened many bitter cups. May my 
soul bless, praise and magnify, thy great and ever 
worthy name, w 7 ho art God over all, blessed for- 
ever ! Be graciously pleased to be with me the re- 
mainder of my days ; strengthen me yet more 
and more to trust in thy Divine arm, that has been 
made bare for my help and support. ' Many shall 
run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.' 
Thus, most gracious God, thou art fulfilling an- 
cient predictions ; Thou art sending servants and 
handmaidens, to publish the glad-tidings of the 
gospel of peace and salvation. Be graciously 
pleased to be with them ; go before and make 
way for them ; enable them to feed thy flock with 
food convenient, giving meat to strong men and 
milk to babes : keep their eye single to the point- 
ings of Thy finger, and their hearts dedicated to 
Thy commands ; be pleased to be mouth and wis- 
dom, tongue and utterance, and cause Thy glory 
and the knowledge of Thee, to cover the earth as 
the waters cover the seas." 

In the year 1809 her health became much im« 
paired ; in reference to which she says, 



22 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

" I have been afflicted of late with inward weak- 
ness, and sometimes great difficulty of breathing, 
but preserved in quietness of mind ; yea, the over- 
shadowing wing of Divine love, even as a canopy, 
has covered it. I feel entirely resigned to the 
disposal of Him who has strengthened me to press 
through many difficulties, to perform what I have 
believed has been required of me, which is now a 
comfort and a support, in a time of weakness, 
when the poor body is much reduced. 

" When I consider Thy abundant mercy and 
goodness towards me, a poor worm, how Thou 
has delivered out of many evils : yea, preserved 
out of many snares and temptations, that have 
been laid to draw my soul from following Thee ; 
I am led to adopt the language of Thy servant, — 
* What shall I render unto Thee, O Lord, for all 
thy benefits towards me? O ! may I be fully given 
up to Thee ! In thy presence there is life ; and at 
thy right hand, are rivers of pleasure for ever- 
more !' 

In the year 1810 she made the following deeply 
affecting and instructive memorandum : 

" In the Seventh month, I met with a severe 
trial indeed, by the sudden and unexpected death 
of my oldest son. I knew not of his illness until 
late in the afternoon ; I went that evening to see 
him, and found him nearly speechless, though I 
believe sensible. He departed next morning, aged 
about thirty-seven years, leaving a widow and 
four children. 

" Oh ! the trial such an unexpected event must 
bring upon a tender mother, having no opportu- 
nity of conversing with him to know his mind, or 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 23 

to afford any advice or encouragement. I thought 
if I could be favoured with an evidence that all 
was well with him, I could freely give him up. 
Through Divine mercy I was supported beyond 
what I could have expected, and may with some 
propriety adopt the language of Job, when he 
said, ' The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken 
away ; blessed be the name of the Lord.' Thus 
he sustains the minds of his children and people 
who are looking to him, and calling upon him ; 
he will be unto them as a shadow of a great rock 
in a weary land ; yea a covert from storms and 
tempests ; retire there, O, my soul ; for there the 
righteous flee and find safety." 

After this it pleased Divine Providence to take 
from her a beloved daughter, three sisters, and a 
brother. She bore these bereavements with hum- 
ble resignation, and, in allusion to them she writes, 
" My state of health being feeble, those losses 
were no doubt more sensibly felt. I was the only 
one left of our family, and as I was sitting pen- 
sively alone, reflecting on my stripped state, the 
language of the Psalmist came fresh into my mind : 
c Although my father and my mother forsake me 
the Lord will take me up.' This expression was 
comforting, and I was made renewedly sensible, 
that although I was thus stripped, without father 
and mother, brother or sister ; yet I was not for- 
saken by the Father and Fountain of all our sure 
mercies, who in condescending love, was pleased 
to comfort my mind, yea, to favour with his holy 
presence ; that I was led humbly to commemorate 
his goodness, his love and mercies extended from 
season to season, and secretly to inplpre the con- 



24 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

tinuance of his blessing through lime, that I 
might not become a dry and withered branch, 
O ! it is a blessed state to be preserved alive in 
the Truth, bringing forth fruit in old age ; fruits 
of holiness of life, fruits of dedication of heart to 
the will and service of God : that this may be my 
happy experience, is the breathing of my soul." 

She was several times much reduced by indis- 
position. In the Fourth month, 1821, she says, 

" My health is better, so as to be able to attend 
meeting ; it is comfortable to sit with my friends 
again. I feel very desirous that I may keep my 
place, that I may be just what the Almighty 
would have me to be, that his will may be done in 
me, by me, and through me. These lines have 
been so sweetly revived when in a feeble state, 
and feeling a peaceful calm and quiet, I thought I 
could with propriety adopt them as the present 
state of my mind. 

** 4 How are thy servants blest, O Lord ! 
How sure is their defence ; 
Eternal Wisdom is their guide ; 
Their help, Omnipotence.' 

" How comfortable, when we can rightly num- 
ber and appreciate our blessings ! knowing ' our 
place of defence to be the munitions of rocks, 
bread to be given us, and our water to be sure :' 
receiving all from the Divine hand, and experien- 
cing that wisdom which is from above, and is pro- 
fitable to direct in all our movements. May this 
be more and more my happy experience through 
the remaining days of my life, that when the 
evening comes, the work may be so completed, 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 25 

that I may receive the answer of, c Well done, 
good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy 
of thy Lord.' O blessed change, glorious tri- 
umph ! to be admitted into the mansion of eter- 
nal rest, there to sing praises unto the most high 
God, and the Lamb, who is worthy forever and 
ever." 

" First month, 1825. I am more than seventy 
years old ; an age I did not expect nor desire to 
attain unto, but thus it has proved ; my days have 
been lengthened out in best wisdom, no doubt, to 
take care of my dear husband in his afflictions, he 
having been in poor health for upwards of three 
years, which he has been favoured to bear with pa- 
tience and Christian fortitude. Atone time after a 
season of silent retirement, he expressed to me: 'I 
think I have never been more willing to put off 
this poor tabernacle of clay, than at the present 
time, though no merit of mine. In looking over, 
I can see many imperfections through life, that I 
have nothing to trust in, nothing to build my 
hopes of salvation upon, but the mercy of a gra- 
cious and bountiful Creator, and the merits of a 
glorious Redeemer, who laid down his precious 
life for us, paid the ransom of his own precious 
blood, and has ascended up on high, and sitteth 
at the right hand of the Divine Majesty, making 
intercession for poor fallen man.' 

" I think I have scarcely ever experienced 
those expressions of the Apostle nearer realized, 
than in my present feeble state ; when he said ; 
' For to live is Christ, but to die is gain.' As 
the will becomes fully subjected, and every 
thought brought into the obedience of Christ ; 
3 



26 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

when his will becomes ours, and we have no will 
contrary to his Divine will, then may we with 
propriety express : ' To live is Christ, to die is 
gain ;' great gain to put off mortality, and to be 
clothed upon with immortality and eternal life. 
When the mind is thus centered, we are enabled to 
acknowledge, ' Sweet is thy voice and thy coun- 
tenance is comely.' Thy name is as precious 
ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins 
love Thee, the pure in heart, those who are wean- 
ed from every other beloved, and their affections 
set upon the Beloved of souls. These experience 
in truth, that one hour in thy courts or presence, 
is better than a thousand : they can testify : Thy 
Name is as precious ointment, a savour of life 
unto life, which strengthens to offer the tribute of 
worship, adoration, and praise, unto the great 
Jehovah, who is worthy, with his beloved Son, 
our blessed Saviour and Redeemer, who paid 
the ransom for us, and who is one with the Fa- 
ther : to whom be glory, honour, thanksgiving, 
and high renown, for evermore. Amen." 

In the Second month, 1827, she says : " My 
dear husband departed this life in the seventy 
fifth year of his age, after a long and tedious con- 
finement and affliction of nearly five years and a 
half. His suffering at times was very great, 
which he was favoured to bear with much Chris- 
tian fortitude and patience. He attended meet- 
ings as long as he was able to go, and encouraged 
my going whenever I was easy to leave him. At 
different times, he said : ' The faith in which I 
have lived, in that faith I hope to die ;' and I fully 
believe he did, and that his departed spirit is 



ELIZABETH COLLINS. 27 

now at rest in the arms of redeeming Mercy : 
this is my comfort, my great consolation. 

"Third month, 1829, I am now quite feeble, 
and it looks most likely ' my departure is at 
hand.' Be that as it may, the Divine will be 
done ! I feel neither wish nor will ; and may with 
some degree of propriety adopt the language of 
the apostle : ' I have fought the good fight, I 
have kept the faith ; henceforth there is laid up 
for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, 
the righteous Judge, will give me at that day ; and 
not to me only, but unto all them also, who love 
his appearing.' 

"Eleventh month. Mostly confined to my 
room, but favoured with a quiet composed mind, 
wherein I have been enabled to breathe, ' Glory 
to God in the highest : on earth, peace and good 
will to men ;' — to breathe glory, honour, thanks- 
givings, and praise unto the great Jehovah, who 
with his dear Son, our blessed Redeemer, is wor- 
thy forever. Oh ! the preciousness of the Truth : 
how it strengthens and supports the mind ; that 
I may say with the poet : 

**• My life, if Thou preeeiVst my life, 
Thy sacrifice shall be, 
And death, if death shall he my doom, 
Will join my soul to Thee.* 

" O blessed union and communion ! to join the 
heavenly host in singing praises and hallelujahs, 
unto the Lord God and the Lamb, who is worthy 
forever. Amen. 

" c If ye love me, keep my commandments,' 
said Christ our Lord. ' This is my command- 



28 ELIZABETH COLLINS. 

ment, that ye love one another, as I have loved 
you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a 
man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my 
friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.' 
Oh ! the excellency of this love ; it does away 
all malice, hard thoughts or resentments, and 
brings us where we can rejoice in the comfort 
and happiness of each other. In a degree of this 
love, I have been led secretly to intercede for the 
whole human family, that all might come to the 
knowledge of the truth, as it is in Jesus, and be 
saved with an everlasting salvation." 

Here her own memorandums close. She be- 
came subject to much disease and bodily infirmity, 
which confined her generally to her own house ; 
but " In the Ninth and Tenth months of 1830, her 
health a little recruited, so as to admit of at- 
tending, pretty generally, the meeting to which 
she belonged, where her company imparted com- 
fort and encouragement to her friends. Her 
ministry on these occasions was very impressive, 
both on account of the clearness of the doctrine, 
and the authority which accompanied it. She 
preached Jesus Christ, and him crucified, as the 
means of redemption from a fallen state, and from 
the power of the prince of darkness." 

From this period she was confined to the 
house, her feeble frame gradually giving way to 
the influence of frequent indisposition and natural 
decay. 

" In a visit made by one of her junior friends, 
who considered it a privilege to be with her, and 
witness her patient submission to the Divine will, 
the liveliness of her spirit in old age, and the 



ROBERT MOGRIDGE. 29 

assurance of that blessed hope which reaches 
within the veil, she observed : ' I am here yet ; 
may I be favoured with patience to the end. I 
feel as one waiting the change, and believe the 
day's work has been done in the day time.' To 
the same friend, at another period : ' Time is not 
tedious ; I am favoured with a calm mind, and 
though the poor body suffers much at times, I 
dare not murmur nor complain.' 

" In the last few weeks she conversed very 
little, appearing to be almost entirely abstracted 
from worldly objects, and her mind collected in 
a state of waiting and fixedness upon the Lord, 
that she might be ready at his coming. 

" She maintained the same patient, enduring 
spirit under suffering to the end, being clothed 
with that love and serenity which gave evidence 
to those around her that it was in participation 
of those joys, into the full fruition of which, we 
believe, she was permitted to enter." 



In early life, when the mind of Robert Mog- 
ridge first became impressed with the truths of 
Christianity, as professed by Friends, he resided 
in a part of Devonshire, where he could derive 
little advantage from association with members of 
our Society ; and his situation at the same time 
was such as subjected him to peculiar trials and 
discouragements, but through the efficacy of Di- 
vine Grace, he was enabled to persevere, and 
measurably to experience the saving baptism of 
the Holy Spirit ; manifesting, by a circumspect 
3* 



30 ROBERT MOGRIDGE. 

and upright conduct, that he was humbly endea- 
vouring to follow the Heavenly Leader. 

After having been a diligent attender of our 
religious meetings for several years, he was ad- 
mitted into membership with our Society ; and he 
continued a consistent and valuable Friend to the 
end of his days. He manifested a lively concern 
for the prosperity of the Truth, and the support of 
our Christian testimonies ; and his remarks in our 
meetings for discipline were frequently weighty 
and instructive. He filled, for many years, the 
station of an overseer in the particular meeting 
of Exeter, with much acceptance and usefulness, 
evincing a sincere concern for the best welfare of 
those to whom he found occasion to administer 
counsel. 

For several years before his decease, which 
took place on the 30th of Twelfth mo. 1832, at the 
age of 73 years, he was unable, through increasing 
infirmities, to support himself and his wife by 
labour at his trade, that of a shoemaker ; and it 
was pleasing and instructive to observe the con- 
tentment and gratitude with which he accepted 
the pecuniary help furnished by his friends. 

In the course of his last illness, he expressed 
to a Friend, that he was enabled to rejoice in the 
hope, that, through the merits of an all-merciful 
Redeemer, he should be accepted ; and that he 
also had a hope, that his dear wife would be made 
a partaker of the same rejoicing. 

After his decease, a paper written by himself, 
and headed " Robert Mogridge's Testimony," 
was found by his widow ; this paper appears to 
have been written not long before his death, and 



ROBERT MOGRIDGE. 31 

may form an appropriate and useful ^sequel to the 
foregoing narrative. He says : — 

" I am perfectly satisfied that I have not been 
following cunningly devised fables ; but that it is 
God's blessed, everlasting and unchangeable Truth 
that I have made profession of. It is now more 
than fifty years since the Lord, in the riches of 
His great mercy, was graciously pleased to reveal 
a measure thereof to my poor soul ; and I received 
it as a merciful visitation sent from Heaven. It 
was very precious to my sight, and my soul was 
ravished with the beauty and excellency thereof; 
and so it hath remained to the present time. Al- 
though I have done but very little, if any thing 
towards the promotion thereof, yet I can say of a 
truth, that I have no greater joy than when I have 
beheld any thing that I believed would have a 
tendency to exalt it in the earth ; and in an es- 
pecial manner amongst us as a people. And 
though I am deeply sensible that many have been 
my omissions and commissions, that I am a poor 
unworthy creature, and have no merit to plead, or 
claim to make upon Divine goodness and mercy ; 
yet I have a hope — I trust a well-grounded one, 
that I shall, through the abundant goodness, and 
marvellous loving-kindness of a gracious God, and 
through the merits, mediation, and intercession of 
a blessed and adorable Redeemer, when time here 
shall be no more, be favoured with an entrance 
within the Pearl gates; there to celebrate the 
praise of that Almighty Power which hath suppor- 
ted and sustained me through many very deep and 
trying probations ; though hid from mortal sight." 



32 ISAAC STEPHENSON. 

Isaac Stephenson, son of Isaac and Elizabeth 
Stephenson, members of the religious Society of 
Friends, was born on the 13th of the Eleventh 
month, 1765, at Burlington Quay, in the East 
Riding of the county of York. 

Owing to the infirm state of his father's health, 
the care of his education devolved chiefly on his 
mother, whose pious concern for the best interest 
of her children was blessed to her son. 

In youth, he evinced an amiable and affection- 
ate disposition, which greatly endeared him to all 
the family. About the seventeeth year of his 
age, and during his apprenticeship at Scarborough, 
he was, through Divine mercy, favoured with a 
powerful and humbling visitation, whereby he 
was bowed in great self-abasedness, and led into 
much circumspection of conduct and self-denial. 
About this period also, he was visited with bodily 
indisposition, which afforded him a season of re- 
tirement at home very congenial to his exercised 
mind. 

After passing through deep conflict of spirit, 
he was favoured to receive that hope which is in 
Christ Jesus, and to experience enlargement of 
heart. Thus he became an example of piety, 
his countenance and deportment indicating that 
he had been instructed in the school of Christ ; 
and as he advanced to mature age, he was a great 
strength and comfort to his widowed mother, ex- 
tending a fatherly care over the younger branches 
of the family. 

On the expiration of his apprenticeship, he 
spent about four years as an assistant in the shop 
of a Friend at Hitchin, where he enjoyed that 



ISAAC STEPHENSON. 33 

society which was helpful and encouraging to 
him. When desirous of entering into business 
for himself, he earnestly craved Divine direction ; 
and way opened soon after to begin the business 
of a miller, near Stockton-upon-Tees, and this 
place continued to be his comfortable residence 
about thirty -five years. 

In the year 1797, he was appointed to the sta- 
tion of elder; and in the following year he mar- 
ried Hannah Masterman, of Kirby-Moorside, who 
continued his beloved and affectionate companion 
to the end of his days. 

About the forty-fourth year of his age, he be- 
lieved himself called, publicly to advocate the 
cause of his Divine Master, and being careful 
faithfully to fulfil his commission, he experienced 
an enlargement in the gift, and became an able 
minister of the Gospel. In 1812 he obtained a 
certificate to visit the families of Friends at Bir- 
mingham, Manchester, and Liverpool, which ser- 
vice he performed in company with his sister, 
Elizabeth Robson. Between this period and the 
year 1823, he travelled much in the work of the 
ministry, visiting, at various times, the meetings 
of Friends in most parts of Great Britain, and 
was often engaged in holding public meetings. 
He also paid two religious visits to Ireland, and 
one to the Isle of Man. 

In 1823, with the concurrence of his friends, 
he embarked for the United States of North 
America, where he laboured very diligently for 
nearly two years. This religious service was 
attended with many trying exercises, owing to 
the peculiar state of the Society of Friends there 



34 ISAAC STEPHENSON. 

at that time ; yet he had to acknowledge, that 
through the unfailing mercy and help of Israel's 
Shepherd, he was enabled to perform the service 
required of him, and to return to his native land 
in peace. Referring to this visit, he writes : " I 
feel no condemnation respecting any part of my 
labours in the Lord's cause in America, yet I am 
very far from thinking them perfect." — " My 
labour was, that Friends, and all who attended 
the meetings where I was, might witness an 
inward stayedness of mind upon God, and a 
humble, steadfast trust in him. I had also, in 
almost every testimony, to endeavour to exalt 
Christ in his different manifestations, and in all 
his offices." 

On his return from America, his attention was 
turned to the consideration of a residence at 
Manchester ; and, after due waiting, with desire 
that he might be favoured to see his way in so 
important a change, he removed, with his family, 
in the latter part of the year 1826. After he 
went to reside there, he was often engaged in 
meetings for worship, in the faithful exercise of 
his gift, to the comfort and edification of many. 
He was zealously concerned for the support of 
the various Christian testimonies of Friends, and 
in meetings for discipline was very serviceable, 
manifesting a lively regard for the w r elfare of the 
Society, and the restoration of those who had 
gone astray. He was a lover and promoter of 
peace, of kind and unassuming manners, which 
greatly endeared him to his friends ; and it may 
truly be said, he was an example of humility in 
the various relations of life. 



ISAAC STEPHENSON. 35 

Some time after his removal into the compass 
of Hardshaw East Monthly Meeting, he paid an 
acceptable visit to the families of Friends in his 
own meeting, Warrington, and Liverpool, and had 
many meetings in Manchester and its neighbour- 
hood with those not in profession with us, fer- 
vently labouring, being willing to spend and be 
spent in promoting the extension of the Redeem- 
er's kingdom. In the Twelfth month, 1828, he 
attended the Quarterly Meeting of London and 
Middlesex, and afterwards that for Sussex and 
Surrey, visiting most of the meetings constituting 
them. 

About the end of 1829, he visited Friends in 
several of the western counties, and had many 
public meetings in Cornwall. Whilst travelling 
near Liskeard, he seemed to be favoured with an 
especial portion of light and life, and observed to 
his companion, that such had been his feelings at 
that season, that he thought he could willingly lay 
down his life any where, or at any time : and in a 
letter, dated the 30th of First mo. 1830, he says : 
" I have brought my late Western labours, (one 
of the most solemn and exercising engagements in 
which I was ever concerned,) again and again 
before my Lord, and I believe that he has been 
graciously pleased to place his seal of love and 
acceptance thereon, both as respects preaching, 
prayer, and thanksgiving ; the feeling of this has 
filled my heart with reverent praise." 

Whilst at liberty from these religious engage- 
ments, he was diligent in business ; yet, with a 
family requiring his exertions, he was favoured to 



36 ISAAC STEPHENSON. 

hold temporal things in their proper estimation, 
relying on the faithfulness of him who hath pro- 
mised, that to them who seek first the kingdom 
of God and his righteousness, all these things 
shall be added : thus, with his heart set on heaven, 
he was solicitous to know the will of his Divine 
Master, and ready with cheerful devotedness to 
perform it ; for he esteemed it his privilege, as 
well as his duty, to be employed in the service of 
the Gospel. 

During the last two years of his life, his health 
appeared to be declining, and he was considerably 
indisposed some time after his return from the 
west of England ; but he was greatly favoured 
with the strengthening and comforting presence 
of Him to whom the vigour of his days had been 
devoted. He, one morning, at breakfast, remark- 
ed to his family, that whilst going about his out- 
ward concerns, his mind was almost constantly 
engaged in secret communion with the Almighty, 
without which he thought it would be almost im- 
possible for him to transact his business. 

The engagement which closed the valuable life 
of our dear friend, was one which marked his 
continued dedication to the service of his Lord, 
and his desire to promote the spiritual welfare 
of his friends ; being a visit of Gospel love to his 
brethren in Ireland. 

He attended the Yearly Meeting at Dublin, 
and on the 5th of the Fifth month, accompanied by 
our friend James Webb, of that city, proceeded 
northward, attending the meetings of Friends, and 
holding several public meetings, in which he 
had acceptable service ; and on the 16th, being 



HANNAH FIELD. 37 

First-day, he attended the meeting at Grange, 
near Dungannon, in the province of Ulster, in 
which he was engaged in a remarkable testimony. 

On the following day, after taking tea at the 
house of William Pike, of Derry-vale, he walked 
with several Friends into the adjoining grounds, 
where he was suddenly seized with indisposition, 
which deprived him of speech and of the use of 
one side. Every attention was kindly rendered, 
but he continued to decline, and quietly expired 
on the morning of the 20th of the Fifth month, in 
the 65th year of his age, having been a minister 
about twenty-one years. His remains were in- 
terred at Grange, on the 27th of the same month. 

" Who then is that faithful and wise steward, 
whom his Lord shall make ruler over his house- 
hold, to give them their portion of meat in due 
season ? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord 
when he cometh, shall find so doing." 



As the memory of our dear friend Hannah 
Field is precious to many in this country, and she 
was much known and beloved amongst us, it is 
believed that the following memoir of her will be 
perused with interest, and we trust instruction. 

She was born at Harrison Town, in the state of 
New York, in the year 1763. Through very 
amiable in her juvenile years, she was of a volatile 
disposition, and inclined to swerve from that 
simplicity of manners and appearance, in which 
her parents were anxious their children should be 
4 



38 HANNAH FIELD. 

preserved. In adverting to her early life, and the 
strength of her natural inclination to resist the 
convictions of the Spirit of Truth which leads into 
the path of Christian self-denial, she has frequent- 
ly been heard to express her grateful sense of the 
religious care, and even the restraining kindness 
of her beloved parents ; for as such, in mature 
life, she considered it. Loving the Lord, they 
also loved his servants ; and their house and their 
hearts were open to receive and entertain Friends 
that were travelling in the work of the ministry : 
the company of such, and their religious labours 
in her father's house, we believe proved a blessing 
to the family, and in an especial manner, to our 
beloved friend ; as, through the instrumentality of 
some of these labourers, very serious impressions 
were made on her mind, which, with the Divine 
blessing, tending to bring the wanderer back. 

By the death of her pious mother, she was de- 
prived of her example and care when about fifteen 
years of age, and thereby subjected to great expo- 
sure, and indeed it may be said to imminent dan- 
ger : but He who had mercifully laid his hand 
upon her, and in due time cause her mind to be 
deeply impressed with a humiliating sense of the 
sinfulness of sin, and the excellency of a life de- 
voted to him and his cause, was gracieusly pleased 
to regard her ; and by the secret, but powerful 
operation of the Holy Spirit, to keep in the hour 
of temptation, and gradually prepare her, though 
unperceived by herself, for future usefulness in 
the church. 

After her marriage with William Field, still 
further proof was furnished, that the Lord was 



HANNAH FIELD. 39 

preparing her for his service ; her mind became 
deeply humbled under a sense of her own unwor- 
thiness, and the nature and greatness of the work 
to which she apprehended she should be called. 
Being naturally modest and very diffident of her 
own attainments, she reasoned against what she 
believed to be the requiring of her Divine Master 
again and again, and was often involved in a state 
of great conflict and distress. That mercy how- 
ever that had followed her from her childhood, 
did not forsake her in the hour of temptation ; but 
by repeated baptisms effected the Lord's gracious 
purpose. In allusion to this memorable period of 
her life, she thus expressed herself in her last ill- 
ness : — " He who knoweth all hearts, knows that 
I did not withhold through wilful disobedience, 
but from the natural timidity of my disposition. 
I stand indeed as a monument of the mercy and 
goodness of my Heavenly Father ; and I verily 
believe, had it not been for the encouragement 
that I sometimes received through the Lord's 
faithful servants, I should have sunk and given 
out, even after I had given up to appear in the 
ministry." 

The Lord's hand had long been laid upon her ; 
and, by the operation of judgment, mixed with 
mercy, her own creaturely reasonings being sub- 
jected, she expressed a few words by way of min- 
istry, in great humility, and indeed it may be 
said with fear and trembling. For several years 
her appearances in this line were rare, and in few 
words ; but being watchful and careful to mind 
her calling, the gift in the ministry, which had 
been graciously conferred on her, shone more and 



40 HAXNAH FIELD. 

more conspicuously, and she became a living and 
able minister of the Gospel of Christ. 

She was sound and scriptural in doctrine, and 
careful not to indulge in speculative opinions. 
Her ministry was weighty and impressive ; and 
after her experience and religious establishment 
had entitled her to the character of a mother in 
the church, it continued to be adorned by that 
Christian simplicity and humble view of herself, 
that so uniformly characterised her religious move- 
ments. The clearness and consistency of her 
views, together with her firm belief in the doctrine 
of Christian redemption, as contained in the Holy 
Scriptures, and believed in by the Society of 
Friends, cannot be better described than in her 
own words on this momentous subject, uttered 
during her last sickness : " I have been a poor 
creature ; I have done very little for His cause, 
who hath done all for me : I have no works of 
my own to depend upon ; it is all the merit and 
mercy of my dear Redeemer, who died for me, 
and not for me only, but for the sins of the world. 
O ! what a blessing it is to be firmly established 
in the faith of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ! 
What a mercy that we have an Advocate with the 
Father ; a High Priest, touched with a feeling of 
our infirmities ; a Mediator and Intercessor, even 
Christ Jesus the righteous !" 

At another time, being in great bodily pain, she 
said : " I have not one rag of my own to depend 
upon ; all is of the mercy of my Saviour, who 
offered up his life a ransom without the gates of 
Jerusalem : O ! that none may reject so great an 
offering : for I firmly believe, that by and through 



HANNAH FIELD. 41 

Him, is the only means of salvation. — He declared 
when personally upon earth, ' No man cometh to 
the Father but by Me ;' and awful will it be in the 
day that is fast approaching, for those who do re- 
ject the offers of his grace, and deny the Lord, 
that bought them." 

In her the badge of discipleship was eminently 
conspicuous, and, under the constraining influence 
of Christian love, with which her heart expanded 
towards the human family, she travelled much as 
a minister of the Gospel, not only within the limits 
of her own yearly meeting, but into many distant 
sections of the United States. 

In the year 1816, after having passed through 
a season of great conflict and deep searching of 
heart, she yielded to an impression of religious 
duty, which had long rested weightily on her 
mind, to pay a visit in the love of the Gospel in 
Great Britain and Ireland, and in some places on 
the continent of Europe. In great humility and 
abasedness of self she informed her friends of this 
prospect. It obtained their deliberate attention, 
and was cordially united with, and she was fur- 
nished with testimonials of their affectionate sym- 
pathy and concurrence. 

This arduous service occupied more than two 
years, during which time, in company with seve- 
ral other friends, she performed a religious visit 
to the families of those professing with us in the 
South of France, and laboured much for the pro- 
motion of the cause of truth and righteousness in 
that quarter. — We believe that in this work she 
was made instrumental in awakening the thought- 
4* 



42 HANNAH FIELD. 

less, and in strengthening the things which remain- 
ed that were ready to die. 

During her religious sojourn in England, she 
had a severe attack of illness, which so much im- 
paired her constitution, that she never recovered 
her usual state of health. On her return from 
Europe she was joyfully received by her friends 
at home. She gave a humble and summary ac- 
count of her various exercises and engagements • 
ascribing all the praise where it is alone due. The 
testimonials furnished by her friends in Europe in 
relation to her visits and religious labours were 
full, and expressive of near unity, and Christian 
fellowship with her as a sister beloved. She was 
afterwards, w T hen the state of her health would 
admit, frequently engaged in more limited visits, 
and faithful at her post in her own meetings at 
home, when permitted to be there. 

In a retrospect of the duties to which she had 
been called, of her sufferings and conflicts, she 
expressed herself in the following manner a short 
time previous to her death : " It is marvellous in 
my eyes, and I often feel deeply humbled in look- 
ins back and recollecting what I have been carried 
through ; and how way has been made for me, 
where there appeared to be no way ; but as I was 
given up to do that which was required, the moun- 
tains were removed, the walls of opposition broken 
down, and I have had to acknowledge the truth 
of our blessed Saviour's declaration, that his yoke 
is indeed easy, and his burden light ; and all will 
find it to be so, that are given up to serve Him." 

She was much concerned for the support of 
the good order of Society ; and possessing a dis- 



HANNAH FIELD. 43 

criminating mind, tempered by prudence, she was 
particularly useful in the administration of the 
discipline. The object of her labour in this, as 
indeed it appeared to be in all her religious en- 
gagements, was to encourage good, wherever it 
was found, and convince the obdurate and gain- 
saying of their errors. In private life she was 
cheerful, very affectionate, and much beloved by 
her friends and acquaintance. She manifested 
great tenderness and solicitude for young people ; 
and, as her manner towards them gained their 
confidence, it also insured to her an ear to hear 
her counsel. 

In recurring to various circumstances in the 
life and conduct of this truly devoted servant, we 
have been forcibly reminded of the sweet and 
comprehensive remarks of the Editor of the Tenth 
part of Piety Promoted, when concluding the ac- 
count of a suffering though meek and patient dis- 
ciple : 

" Oh ! that every awakened soul would daily 
seek after the sweet influences of gospel love ! It 
sweetens society ; it begets its likeness in others ; 
it excites gratitude ; and even if bestowed on the 
ungrateful, (as saith our dear Redeemer, love's 
holy and exhaustless Fountain, the rain falls on 
the just and on the unjust,) it brings its own sweet 
reward with it ; for it attracts the approbation of 
God. Where then will be contempt, where the 
indulgence of evil surmisings and hard thoughts ; 
where, either studied or careless detraction; where, 
even the needless disclosure of real failings; 
where the least place for any enmity ? 



44 HANNAH FIELD. 

" These hurtful practices, and pride the pro- 
moter of many of such practices, will fall before 
the prevalence of pure, Christian love ; and sure- 
ly when these are exterminated from the heart, is 
it not so far prepared for its best and most sacred 
purpose, to be a temple of the Holy Spirit?" 

Having been taught by experience what are the 
feelings of a stranger's heart, and possessing in 
an eminent degree a sympathetic mind, her house 
was not only a home for her friends, but she en- 
tered most feelingly into their trials and their 
griefs, and delighted in administering the balm of 
consolation. 

The latter years of our dear Friend were at- 
tended with great bodily suffering. In 1822, she 
had a severe illness, and was so reduced that no 
hopes were entertained of her recovery. Her 
mind, however, was mercifully sustained, and cen- 
tered in holy resignation. During this season, 
she uttered many deep and weighty expressions ; 
a few of them were preserved, from which we 
select the following, as being descriptive of her 
religious views, and great love for her Friends : 
" I desire to be thankful, I hope I am thankful, 
that I am not left in such a trying time as this ; 
that I feel the Foundation, Jesus Christ, to be sure. 
Oh ! how I feel for our poor Society ; there are 
so many deviations from the Truth amongst the 
members, on account of which I have often mourn- 
ed. Be faithful, my dear Friends ! stand as watch- 
men, and warn the people. Oh ! what will become 
of our young men in the day of trial that is ap- 
proaching : having departed from the Truth, what 
will they have to support them !" 



HANNAH FIELD. 45 

About half an hour afterward, having been in 
profound stillness for some time, she said with 
great sweetness and energy : " Jesus Christ came 
from God. He was God ; and in Him dwelt the 
fulness of the Godhead bodily ;" and raising her 
hands, added : " O ! the excellency, the beauty, 
the sweetness !" 

During her last sickness, which continued about 
five months, she endured much severe pain, and 
a most distressing affection of the stomach ; but 
Divine support was mercifully extended, and she 
was an example of patience and quiet submission 
to the Divine will; this, together with her reli- 
gious views, and the unimpaired state of her mind, 
will be clearly demonstrated by her own testimo- 
ny on the bed of languishing, and at the hour of 
death. 

At one time, when speaking of the state of our 
Society, she said : " If Friends are faithful, and 
keep their dependence on Him alone, who has al- 
ways been the unfailing helper of his people, there 
is no cause to be discouraged at the difficulties 
with which we appear to be surrounded, or at our 
reduced number ; for I believe the cause is in the 
Lord's hand ; he hath his way in the deep, and 
can accomplish his work by few or by many. It 
is my belief, whether I live or die, that Friends 
have done right in leaving those who deny the di- 
vinity and offering of our Lord Jesus Christ. We 
could not have done otherwise, unless we had given 
up the principles and doctrines, which have been 
always held by our Society, and for which our 
ancient Friends suffered so much ! some of them 
sealing their testimony with their blood." 



46 HANNAH FIELD. 

At another time : " My sentiments are the same 
that they have always been, with regard to the 
fundamental doctrines and principles of our So- 
ciety. I have always believed, as I now do, with 
regard to the personal appearance of our blessed 
Saviour, his death, sufferings, resurrection, medi- 
ation, and intercession with the Father ; yes, I 
have always had the firmest belief in the Scrip- 
ture testimony concerning our blessed Lord. I 
have no unity with any doctrines that tend to les- 
sen the divinity of Jesus Christ, or the value of 
that great Sacrifice which was offered on Mount 
Calvary, or. that undervalue the Scriptures of 
Truth, for I believe that they are indeed able, 
through faith, to make wise unto salvation. 

" Much may be said by those who have seceded 
from us ; yet as we are faithful in the maintenance 
of the cause that we are advocating, even the 
cause of the blessed Jesus, it will be made mani- 
fest to the world, that it is the ancient principles 
of the Society, and nothing less, that we are en- 
deavouring to support." 

At another time, speaking of the state of the 
Society, and the Separatists, she said : " It is a 
great comfort to me, that my health held out to 
attend meeting the day the separation took place 
in the yearly meeting; and also that T was able 
to attend our monthly meeting, and two or three 
meetings since we have been turned out of our 
meeting-house ; and should I never be able to at- 
tend another meeting, it will, as long as I live, be 
a comfort to me that I have done what I could 
for the cause of the blessed Truth. All that I 
regret on my part is, that I did not give up more 



I HANNAH FIELD. 47 

cheerfully to the separation. The idea of it was 
very trying to me, but I believe it was the best 
thing that could be done : what else could we have 
done? To have remained together would have 
been giving our countenance to their doctrines, 
and letting fall to the ground the principles and 
testimony for which our early Friends suffered so 
much. I can have no unity with any thing that 
is calculated to undermine the Christian religion." 

One morning, being greatly oppressed with 
excruciating pain, she spoke to some Friends that 
were with her, as follows : " Why am I kept here 
so long ! I long to be gone ; do not hold me, but 
pray for my release. My suffering is so great, 
that I am afraid my patience will not hold out : 
pray for me, that I may be preserved from mur- 
muring, or at any time doing or saying any thing 
that may bring reproach on the cause that I have 
for many years been endeavouring faithfully, 
though feebly to advocate ; that I may prove by 
my example, the truth of what I have declared to 
others, that the religion of Jesus Christ would be 
a support under every conflict. What would be- 
come of me, were it not for that support at this 
time?" 

A physician calling to see her, said : " Your 
sufferings must be very great." She replied; 
" Yes, doctor, very great ;" as was indeed evident 
to all around her : " But," said the doctor, 
your mind appears to be fixed on that power that 
can and I trust will, support under every conflict, 
and enable you to adopt the language, ' Thy 
will be done.' " She looked at him with great 
sweetness, and said : " That is the highest anthem 



48 HANNAH FIELD. 

by saint or angel ever sung ; yes, doctor, the 
highest anthem sung on earth, or in heaven. It 
is a great thing so to live, as to be prepared to 
leave this world ; but it is attainable, through the 
mercy of him who died for us, that we might 
live." 

31st of Tenth month. Some of her relatives 
coming in to see her, she expressed very near 
feeling for them, and added : " I long to be gone, 
and it is a great thing to be prepared for the 
change. There is no other way but by and 
through faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, who gave himself a ransom for us ; and it 
is of great importance to have a right understand- 
ing of these things." 

1st of Eleventh month. Being in great distress 
of body, she prayed thus: " O! Lord Jesus Christ, 
be pleased to receive my spirit, for Thou art my 
only hope ; be pleased to release me from this poor 
tenement of clay." Soon after, she said : " Will 
not this be the last day ?" Being asked if she had 
any message to her absent relations, she replied : 
" Love to all ; tell them I want all to be faithful 
in the support of the ancient principles and doc- 
trines of Friends, for these new things will be 
found to be nothing but deception." 

Soon after she said : " O ! how thankful I feel, 
that I was enabled to perform that visit to Europe 
when I did." 

Eleventh month, 2d. First-day evening. She 
looked upon those who were around her with a 
sweet and impressive countenance, and said : " I 
thought I heard a beautiful voice saying, enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord, and the rest that is 






HANNAH FIELD. 49 

prepared for thee : — did you not hear it ?" At 
another time : " Oh ! that it was the will of my 
Heavenly Father, to release me from this state of 
bodily suffering ; yet not my will, but thine be 
done. O ! Father, I desire to be resigned to live 
or die ; but if 1 dared to have a wish, it would be 
to die, that I might be continually with Jesus. I 
feel nothing in my way ; all is peace. I have 
had many weaknesses and infirmities to contend 
with ; and I can say in humility and abasedness 
of self, that it is by and through the mercy of God, 
that I am what I am." 

From this time she declined very rapidly, and 
though still affected with severe pain, manifested 
entire resignation to the Divine will ; frequently 
expressing a fear that she was not sufficiently pa- 
tient and thankful. She also entertained a grate- 
ful sense of the kindness of her care-takers, which 
she frequently mentioned with much tenderness, 
even to the last. 

On Fourth-day afternoon, the 5th of Eleventh 
month, she experienced some relief from the pain 
and suffering that she had so long endured ; and her 
mind being perfectly clear and calm, she conver- 
sed for a considerable time with two intimate 
friends. Toward evening, when one of them took 
leave of her, he observed, that " he believed she 
was fast verging toward a state of uninterrupted 
bliss and peace ; that the conflict would soon be 
over." She replied, with great sweetness and 
composure : " I rejoice." 

In the latter part of the night, it was discovered 
that she was sinking ; and being aware of it her- 
self, she inquired for several members of the fami- 
5 



50 ISABELLA HARRIS. 

ly ; and taking a heart-tendering leave of those 
that were about her, she ceased to breathe about 
four o'clock in the morning of the 4th of Ele- 
venth month, 1828 ; aged sixty-five years. 

Thus lived, and thus died, our much loved Friend 
Hannah Field. We believe it may be said in 
relation to her : " Here is the patience of the 
saints : here are they that keep the command- 
ments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Write, 
blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from 
henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may 
rest from their labours, and their works do follow 
them." 



Isabella Harris, a minister much and justly 
esteemed in our religious Society, was born in 
Dublin, in the year 1757. During her minority 
she appears to have been subjected to many dis- 
advantages and temptations, and to have known 
but very little of the transforming work of Divine 
grace. About the 21st year of her age she was 
married to Anthony Harris, a master mariner, 
and settled with her husband at Maryport, in 
Cumberland. There is reason to believe, how- 
ever, that this change in her situation and cir- 
cumstances, did not at first abate her natural love 
of gay company ; and for a considerable time, her 
conduct furnished no evidence of much sense of 
the cross of Christ, or of submission to its holy 
influence ; yet, through the extension of heavenly 
love, and the blessing of a pious example in a 
beloved husband, she had, previous to his decease, 



i 



ISABELLA HARRIS. 51 

so far bowed under the power of Divine visitation 
to her soul, as to have admitted a firm belief, that 
she should be called upon publicly to bear testi- 
mony unto others, concerning those things which 
pertain to life and salvation. 

During some of the conflicts and baptisms which 
she had to endure on this account, she felt as if 
she could give up every thing but her husband, 
in order to obtain peace of mind ; and she often 
remarked afterwards, that he was taken, and all 
besides was left. 

The death of Anthony Harris occurred in a 
very affecting manner, in the year 1795, after 
they had been married about seventeen years. 
His vessel was bound for Waterford, and after 
proceeding some way on their voyage, the wind 
proved adverse and very rough ; so that the mate 
suggested their putting back to Maryport. An- 
thony Harris replied, if the wind did not become 
more favourable, by a certain time which he men- 
tioned, " We will put about." After this he 
retired to his cabin, and employed himself in 
reading W. Penn's " No Cross, no Crown," ap- 
pearing to be in a solid frame of mind. Coming 
on deck again, and just before the time fixed was 
expired, he was struck overboard by the main- 
boom ; and it is thought he was stunned by the 
blow, as he made no effort to save himself. Thus 
his valuable life was terminated, and Isabella 
Harris was left with a charge of six children, and 
in expectation of a seventh, that was born a few 
months after. She was involved, as in an instant, 
in the deepest affliction of widowhood ; an event 
to which she often alluded in after life, as the 



52 ISABELLA HARRIS. 

heaviest trial which could have befallen her. 
There is ground however to conclude, that He 
who permitted this trial to overtake her, was 
pleased to sanctify it ; causing it to prove a means 
of furthering that great work which He had mer- 
cifully begun in her soul. 

Her health suffered considerably, but that 
Divine arm with which she had now become ac- 
quainted was her support ; and in a Quarterly 
Meeting at Cockermouth in 1798 she stood up with 
these words, " Stand in awe and sin not, commune 
with your own hearts upon your bed, and be still." 
Her ministerial communications being approved, 
she was acknowledged as a minister by Holme 
Monthly Meeting inFirst month, 1800. 

Having visited one of her children at Ackworth 
school in the early part of the year 1799, a convic- 
tion settled upon her mind that some portion of her 
future life should be passed in that institution : 
and upon being invited, having previously passed 
through much mental exercise, she repaired thither 
in the Autumn of 1803, taking with her her two 
youngest children. 

Of her residence in that interesting family, the 
Friends of Pontefract Monthly Meeting thus speak 
in the records of the same : " She entered on her 
office of principal mistress in the school with great 
distrust of her own abilities ; but recurring to the 
opening which she believed had first pointed out 
the way thither, and which she trusted, had been 
in the ordering of Divine wisdom, she was encou- 
raged to look forward with hope, and to apply 
for daily assistance to the one Source of all effectual 
help. Thus was she gradually prepared for the 



ISABELLA HARRIS. 53 

superintendence of her tender charge, and it was 
not long before her qualifications were found to be 
of a very superior kind. Her affectionate interest 
in the welfare of the teachers endeared her to 
them all, and her tender solicitude for the im- 
provement of the girls in their learning and do- 
mestic habits, and above all, in the things which 
belonged to their everlasting peace, is fresh in the 
grateful remembrance of many who were under 
her care. In the exercise of her gift as a minister, 
she was often engaged in lively and pertinent 
counsel to the flock over whom she presided ; and 
in more public opportunities in our religious 
meetings, she was frequently engaged to bear a 
living testimony to the goodness and mercy of 
Him who had been her refuse. But though the 
weight and responsibility of her station in the 
school induced a constant care lest any of her du- 
ties there should not be fully performed, she held 
herself in readiness to obey the call of others, when 
clearly pointed out to her view." And under such 
feelings she was at different periods in, and subse- 
quent to, the year 1804, engaged to travel in Gos- 
pel love, visiting Friends in. their meetings and 
families, and appointing meetings for those not in 
membership with us ; especially in Yorkshire, 
Cumberland, and Durham. Her last visit of this 
kind was to Brighouse Monthly Meeting in 1830, 
in which she seems to have been enabled to labour 
much to the comfort of others and her own peace. 
She felt deeply concerned for the maintenance of 
our religious principles on their original foundation, 
she was a lover of integrity and simplicity, and was 
often engaged in warning her young friends of 
5* 



54 ISABELLA HARRIS. 

the danger there was (as she could testify from 
her own experience) in letting fall any of our pe- 
culiar testimonies, even those which some Friends 
were ready to consider unimportant, and conform- 
ing to the manners and customs of a vain world." 
" She was a true nursing mother to many who 
were seeking the way to Zion, and often feelingly 
dwelt on the advantage of early dedication to the 
Lord's service. In the course of her sojourn in 
this part, she was tried with domestic affliction, 
and at different times with the loss of property to 
a considerable amount ; and it w T as truly instruc- 
tive to her friends to witness how she was enabled 
to bear these privations with Christian resignation. 
In the spring of 1826, feeling an increase of bodily 
infirmity through advanced age, she retired from 
the service of the institution at Ackworth, in which 
she had resided for upwards of 22 years, sincerely 
regretted by the Friends in the school." 

Her ministerial communications at this period 
were very acceptable, evincing a deeply exercised 
and experienced mind, and attended, as her friends 
apprehended, with much of the unction of her 
divine Master. The trials she had to endure from 
the state of her health and various outward circum- 
stances, cannot be easily conceived, yet she appear- 
ed to be preserved in great patience, and though 
under much discouragement from these causes, 
she very generally got out to meetings : being 
upon one occasion, about four months previous to 
her close, prevented, she alludes to it, and her 
many provings, in a letter to her daughter, saying, 
" yet can we not bear testimony to the goodness 
and mercy of Redeeming love, that hitherto he 



ISABELLA HARRIS. 55 

hath helped us? Oh, saith my soul, may we be 
humbled under a sense of the Lord's goodness 
and our unworthiness of the least of ail his mercies, 
and daily query, what shall I render unto thee O 
Lord for all thy benefits ? What can we render but 
that which is his own preparing, even a broken 
and contrite spirit, which he hath graciously pro- 
mised not to reject." 

This dear aged friend, being then with her daugh- 
ter at North Shields, was taken ill on the 19th of 
Third month, 1832, and on the 22d becoming alarm- 
ingly worse, was asked how she felt ; she replied, 
u nothing but peace, not a cloud in the way." For 
two or three days her state was fluctuating and 
she did not appear to apprehend her end was very 
near ; she spoke during this period very affection- 
ately of her long since departed husband — of the 
exercises attending her early appearances as a min- 
ister, and of the unsearchable wisdom of the Al- 
mighty; referring to various texts of Scripture, 
and distinctly repeating the 16th and 17th verses 
of the 3rd chapter of Malachi — also expressing 
that she had nothing to depend upon but the mer- 
cy of God in Christ Jesus. ; 

Her patience and the sweet state of her mind 
were very striking — her heart overflowing with 
love to those around her, which she frequently 
manifested by the most endearing expressions. 
On First-day morning, the 25th, she did not ap- 
pear materially worse, but made many pointed 
inquiries concerning one of her children, on whose 
account she was particularly interested, but did 
not at all allude to herself. On her medical attend- 
ant inquiring if she had any pain, she answered 



56 WILLIAM BYKD. 

" No, not any where ;" adding, " this is a great 
favour." About one she appeared pleased to see 
some young friends, calling them by their names. 
About three her pulse was observed to sink, and 
she gradually declined until a few minutes after 
five, when without any expression, she peacefully 
breathed her last. 

In meditating upon a closing scene so tranquil 
and so unclouded, and upon the goodness and 
mercy to which she could testify as having follow- 
ed her all her life long, we feel the consoling con- 
viction that she is joined to that blessed company 
that " came out of great tribulation, and have 
washed their robes, and made them white in the 
blood of the Lamb." 



In noticing the character of our dear friend, 
William Byrd, we trust we may be allowed to 
apply to him the words of Holy Scripture, res- 
pecting a servant of the Lord, in days of old ; that 
he was " a faithful man, and feared God above 
many." We counted him an Elder worthy of 
double honour ; and he was beloved amongst us 
as a father in Christ. 

He was born at UrTculm, in the county of De- 
von, in the year 1757 ; his parents, who were 
members of our religious Society, were concerned 
for his education consistently with our Christian 
profession. In his youth, though it is believed 
that he was much preserved from the corruptions 
of the world, yet he occasionally deviated from 



WILLIAM BYED. 57 

the plainness in which he had been brought up ; 
but being favoured with serious religious impres- 
sions, he soon adopted the simple habits of 
Friends. In recurring, in after life, to these 
early acts of obedience, he thought he could per- 
ceive cause to believe that they were owned by 
tokens of Divine approbation. About the twenty- 
second year of his age he left home, and became 
an assistant in business to a Friend at Long-ham, 
in the county of Dorset : whilst living in that 
situation he is remembered as a young man of 
decidedly religious character, and of circumspect 
conduct; and there is strong reason to believe 
that the work of the Lord was, at that time, 
making progress in his heart. In the course of 
about two years, he removed to the village of 
Marnhull, and entered into business, upon a small 
scale, as a shop-keeper; it is the testimony of 
those who were then acquainted with him, and 
who had the opportunity of marking his subse- 
quent walk in life, that in conducting his concerns 
in trade, in his deportment in private life, and 
in his intercourse with the world, it appeared to 
be his earnest and unremitting exercise, to have a 
conscience void of offence toward God and to- 
ward men. He was scrupulously upright in all 
his transactions ; and, though far from indifferent 
to the importance of obtaining a comfortable in- 
dependence in life, as well as to the means of 
contributing to the relief of the wants of others, 
it was evident that his affections were set upon 
things above rather than on things on the earth ; 
this was remarkably exemplified not only by his 
constant attendance of meetings for Divine wor- 



58 WILLIAM BYRD. 

ship, but by his concern that the different mem- 
bers of his family might enjoy the same privilege : 
with this view he thought it right, even when in 
very limited circumstances, to shut up his shop 
during the time of the week-day meeting. This, 
he remarks, in a memorandum made about that 
time, was when he did not know it to be the 
practice of any other Friend in the nation. After 
having been a few years in trade, in grateful 
record of the goodness of Divine Providence, he 
notices the blessing which had rested upon his 
honest endeavours : " Very little," says he, " had 
I to begin with in business, something less than 
four years since, in which time I have gained, I 
believe, at least five times the sum with which I 
began." 

The Holy Scriptures were precious to him, 
and he was at that time punctual in collecting 
his family every evening for the reading of them : 
and it was observed that he regularly set apart a 
portion of the day for private religious retirement, 
a practice in which he continued to old age. As 
he grew in grace, and became increasingly sub- 
jected to the government of the Holy Spirit, he 
was gradually prepared for usefulness in the 
Church; and in the thirty-fifth year of his age 
he believed it to be his duty to speak as a minis- 
ter in our religious meetings. He appears to 
have entered upon the service in fear and much 
trembling ; and he was frequent in awful and 
reverent waiting upon God, in a watchful and 
teachable spirit, that he might be instructed in the 
knowledge of his will in this great duty, and be 
preserved under the safe leading of the Heavenly 



WILLIAM BYRD. 59 

Shepherd. He was sound in doctrine, and his 
ministry was delivered in simplicity, and in de- 
monstration of the Spirit and of power. He 
sought not the praise of men ; but in the exer- 
cise of the gift that had been bestowed upon him, 
he humbly and honestly endeavoured to approve 
himself faithful to his great Lord and Master in 
the work to which he had been pleased to appoint 
him. 

In the year ] 800, he was married to our friend 
Rebecca Young, of Shrewsbury. In her, he 
found a companion well prepared to unite with 
him in a self-denying course of Christian dedica- 
tion : and, we believe, it is not too much to say, 
respecting our beloved friends, that it was their 
daily concern, like Zacharias and Elizabeth, to 
walk together in all the commandments and ordi- 
nances of the Lord blameless ; and having, each 
of them, received a gift in the ministry of the 
gospel, they sought to adorn the doctrine of God 
our Saviour in all things. They were examples 
amongst us of a cheerful contentment, in the 
plainness of the furniture of their house, in the 
simplicity of their mode of life, and in the mode- 
ration of their expenses. Their means were at 
no time abundant, but they were kind and liberal 
to the poor, generous in their hospitality, and 
especially engaged to help and succour those who 
came amongst us in the work of the ministry. 
They had, both of them, been brought into much 
religious concern on account of the continuance 
of the African Slave Trade, and the subsequent 
bondage of its victims. From early life they had 
individually thought it laid upon them, as a tes- 



60 WILLIAM BYRD. 

timony against that unrighteous gain of oppres- 
sion, to abstain from the use of the produce of 
West India Slavery ; and our friend William 
Byrd, almost from the first of his going into busi- 
ness, and at a considerable loss of profit, refused 
to deal in articles of that description. They took 
a deep interest in those measures which, under 
the blessing of the Lord, tended to the abolition 
of the Slave Trade; and after many years of sor- 
row and suffering, in sympathy with this afflicted 
portion of our fellow-creatures, they lived to 
rejoice in the Act of our Legislature, by which 
Slavery was declared to be illegal throughout the 
British dominions ; and though, at that time, far 
advanced in age and much worn by sickness and 
infirmity, their sympathies were still alive to the 
degradation and oppressive servitude which a 
large proportion of the negroes continued to 
suffer in our colonial possessions. 

For several years the ministry of our dear 
friend was much confined within the limits of this 
county and parts adjacent. On his marriage he 
was not only concerned to encourage his wife in 
her devotedness to the cause of our holy Redeem- 
er, but frequently accompanied her in her travels, 
and for many years they were extensively en- 
gaged in the work of the Gospel, in various parts 
of this nation, and in Ireland, and he bore her 
company in her second visit to the Orkney Is- 
lands. They laboured diligently both among 
Friends and the people at large ; and we have 
reason to believe that his service on these occa- 
sions, and his humble, simple, watchful deport- 
ment, were acceptable and instructive. He highly 



WILLIAM BYRD. 61 

valued the various Christian testimonies of our 
religious Society, and was zealously concerned 
that they might be faithfully and uprightly sup- 
ported by Friends everywhere. He was fre- 
quently at the Yearly Meeting, and thought it a 
privilege to be allowed to unite with his brethren 
in endeavouring to promote the increase of vital 
Christianity amongst us ; and, though a man of 
good understanding, and deep experience, he was 
not forward in giving his judgment ; but when 
he offered an opinion, it was with weight and to 
the purpose. He was a lover of good men of 
every denomination, and of enlarged charity, and 
liberal views ; tender towards such as had been 
overtaken in a fault; never seeming to forget 
that he himself was liable to temptation ; and 
patient in labour for the restoration of transgres- 
sors. In the general exercise of the discipline 
in his Monthly Meeting, of which he was con- 
stant in his attendance for nearly fifty years, he 
was religiously concerned that it might be ad- 
ministered in the meekness of wisdom, without 
partiality, and to the honour of the cause of 
Truth : that this was the exercise of his mind to 
the close of life, is apparent by the following 
remarks which he dictated after he became con- 
fined to his bed. 

26th Twelfth month, 1833.—' Sometime after 
awaking this morning, I had sweetly to recollect 
some expressions of Jonah Thompson, when near 
the close of life, which I thought might, in mea- 
sure, be applicable to myself; that he had in 
possession, "a quiet, easy mind, and no accuser 
there ;" but alas, different thoughts occurred : I 
6 



62 WILLIAM BYRD. 

remembered, that in transacting the discipline of 
the Church, I had but too often engaged therein 
without waiting for a proper qualification. Under 
these different cogitations, I recollected the fol- 
lowing expressions of John Griffith's : " The true 
labourer must in every meeting, and upon all 
occasions that offer for service, receive supernatu- 
ral aid, and a renewed understanding by the im- 
mediate descending of Heavenly power and wis- 
dom, or he dare not meddle :" although I am not 
without hope, that I shall be forgiven in the day 
of account for this, and other deviations, yet I 
am persuaded, had I thus steered my course, my 
engagements in that line would have been atten- 
ded with more peace to my mind, and been more 
to the promotion of the cause of Truth.' 

As he advanced in life, our beloved Friend did 
not lose sight of his own infirmity, and we believe 
that, through the help of the Lord, he did not 
cease to press towards the mark that had been set 
before him. Christ was precious to his soul, and 
he gave satisfactory evidence, even in old age, that, 
in a broken and contrite spirit, he rested on his 
Saviour alone for the forgiveness of his sins, and 
his final acceptance. The following extracts from 
his papers, as they are descriptive of his religious 
exercise, are, we think, worthy of preservation. 

11th First month, 1811. — "What watchfulness 
and prayer are necessary, in order to our meeting 
every event, whether prosperous or adverse, with 
that humility and dependence, that patience, 
meekness, and calm resignation which become 
the professed followers, and more especially the 
ministers of the Captain of our Salvation, of Him 



WILLIAM BYRD. 63 

who took upon himself the form of a servant, — 
made himself of no reputation — was meek and 
lowly in heart — 'endured the cross and despised 
the shame ;' and left us an example that we should 
follow his steps." 

24th Tenth month, 1826. — " In our week-day 
meeting, the query revived in my mind, ' What 
lack I yet V and the answer of my heart seemed 
to be ; more reverent watchfulness, more meek- 
ness, more patience, more faith, and more of that 
charity, * which beareth all things, believeth all 
things, hopeth all things, endureth all things, and 
never faileth.' " 

30th Fourth month, 1824.—" Oh ! saith my 
soul, may the watch be so maintained in reveren- 
tial fear and in the meekness and patience of 
Jesus, that preparation and growth in the Truth 
may be my continued experience to the end of 
my days." 

For the last four years of his life, the health of 
our dear friend was much impaired, and it re- 
peatedly appeared to those around him, that his 
end was fast approaching. During this long con- 
finement his mental powers occasionally failed 
him, hut. his recollection was often clear ; and he 
was able to take enjoyment in the company of his 
friends and near connexions. He was kept in a 
lowly, watchful, and dependent mind, often num- 
bering his blessings, and with much tenderness of 
spirit acknowledging to the kindness and love of 
our Heavenly Father. He had been accustomed 
to look upon himself, but as a steward over the 
bounty of a gracious Providence towards him ; 
and when after his own wants, which were few 



64 WILLIAM BYRD. 

had been supplied, he could not rest satisfied till 
the surplus was distributed among his poor neigh- 
bours. On one of these occasions, not long be- 
fore his death, on its being observed that he 
might need it for himself, he replied with earnest- 
ness, " We must spend it, or it will be a burthen 
greater than I can bear." 

Long after he was unable to read, he derived 
much comfort from having the Holy Scriptures 
read to him ; and in those times which were 
devoted to retirement before the Lord, and they 
were frequent, it was observed by his niece that 
he often appeared to be engaged in prayer and 
thanksgiving. On one occasion, in the early 
part of his illness, he told those who were attend- 
ing upon him, that he had been much comforted, 
and thought he had never been nearer the Lord. 
One of his relations some time afterwards going 
into the room and inquiring how he was, he 
answered, " Pretty much the same; — feeble. — 
I have had a tendering season, and thought all 
my sins were forgiven me." The next morning 
he seemed to be much favoured with a sense of 
the presence of his Saviour, and said he thought 
he was drawing nearer his desired haven ; that 
he was in peace with all men, and had nothing 
to do but to die. After having been in a very 
low state of mind for several days, on being asked 
how he was, he said, " More comfortable ;" and 
added that he did not expect such comfort before 
he went hence; and in much brokenness of spirit 
he added ; " Oh, what shall I render to the Lord 
for all his mercies ?" On another occasion, in 
grateful retrospect of the goodness of God towards 



WILLIAM BYRD. 65 

him, he observed ; " Great have been the mer- 
cies of my Heavenly Father from my youth up ; 
had he not placed his fear in my heart, I had 
long since been a cast-away." On being informed 
that it was First-day, he said, " O that it may 
be well spent." A little afterwards, u I cannot 
keep up the exercise I could wish ; I have great 
weakness both in body and mind." On being 
helped up in bed, he remarked, " A posture for 
dying : see with what peace a Christian can die 
— there is nothing in my way:" and having 
spoken in testimony to the truth as it is in Jesus, 
he concluded with the language of praise, " Bless 
the Lord, O my soul ; and all that is within me 
bless his Holy name." Such expressions as 
the following, uttered at different times, indicate 
that his mind was still stayed on God : — " Oh, 
the sweet peaceful feeling I have this evening ; 
I would not exchange it for all the kingdoms of 
this world." At another time : " A calm and 
peaceful mind: how precious!" and again: 
" Lord, now let thy servant depart in peace, for 
mine eyes have seen thy salvation." Thus it was 
evident, to use his own words, that " death had 
no terrors for him." He continued in the same 
tender, submissive, hopeful, and child-like state, 
to the end ; and at length suddenly and unex- 
pectedly passed away, with very little apparent 
suffering. 

Our dear departed friend having loved and ho- 
noured his Lord and Saviour upon earth, and it 
having been his chief concern in life to watch and 
to keep his garments, we reverently trust that, 
through the riches of redeeming grace, it has 
6* 



66 REBECCA BYRD. 

been given him to join the spirits of just men 
made perfect in the presence of God and of the 
Lamb. 



To the foregoing brief memoir of William 
Byrd, may be suitably affixed a similar notice of 
his beloved wife, Rebecca Byrd. She was re- 
markable for the constancy of her faith in the 
immediate teaching of the Holy Spirit, and was 
deeply attentive to its intimations, during the 
course of her walk in life. Through submission 
to its power she was enabled to build on the foun- 
dation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ 
himself being the chief corner stone ; and we be- 
lieve that He, in whom she trusted as her strength 
and her Redeemer, was with her to the end of her 
days. 

As a minister of the Gospel of the grace of 
God, she was sound in doctrine, weighty, and 
scriptural. We believe her to have been faithful 
to her calling, and patient in waiting for the re- 
newing of the Holy Ghost ; and both in her early 
dedication, and in advanced life, careful not to 
move, either in her travels abroad, or in the ap- 
pointment of meetings, or in the exercise of her 
gift generally, without an evidence of the quick- 
ening virtue of the Spirit of Christ putting her 
forth, and engaging her in his service. Unity 
amongst the believers was especially valuable to 
her. She was constant in her friendships, and to 
the poor in her own neighbourhood she was kind 



REBECCA BYRD. 67 

and considerate ; and in proportion to her means, 
which were never very abundant, she endeavour- 
ed to administer to their relief, even by abridging 
herself of some personal comforts. 

Our dear friend was the daughter of John and 
Jane Young, of Shrewsbury. In her very early 
years she was the subject of serious religious im- 
pressions, which were sometimes induced by the 
ministry of Friends who visited her father's iami- 
ly, and at other times by the immediate influences 
of Divine love. 

We have received but few particulars of that 
period of life which elapsed between her child- 
hood and the twenty-fourth year of her age, 
about which time she was awakened to deep reli- 
gious thoughtfulness, and to a sense of many 
transgressions. The hand of the Lord was heavy 
upon her for a season. She sought in prayer for 
restoration to His favour ; and very earnest was 
her engagement of mind, that in all things she 
might be brought into conformity to the Divine 
Will. She was gradually drawn into separation 
from her former companions ; and in her waiting 
before the Most High, she had clearly to see that 
He was preparing her for the work of the minis- 
try. A prospect of this line of religious service 
had, it appears, been opened to her in childhood ; 
but whilst her mind was occupied with youthful 
vanities, it had been much obscured. Being sub- 
sequently humbled in the presence of her Lord, 
and in great measure crucified to the world, the 
call was renewed, and she was made willing to 
obey the requiring. She was first engaged in the 
ministry in 1784, in the twenty-sixth year of her 



68 REBECCA BYRD. 

age. In this dedication of herself to the service 
of Christ, she not only enjoyed the unity of 
Friends, but was also favoured with that peace of 
mind which had become precious to her above all 
other things. She was very soon called to labour 
more extensively in the work of the Gospel ; and 
before the close of that year, she became the com- 
panion of our beloved friend Deborah Darby, in 
a visit to the principality of Wales. They were 
closely united in religious fellowship ; and from 
that time to the death of our said friend, in 1810, 
they were, with little intermission, employed in 
the same service, visiting most parts of Great 
Britain and Ireland ; and in the year 1793 they 
were engaged in a visit to Friends in North Ame- 
rica, in which arduous work they were absent from 
home about three years. 

In the year 1800 she was married to our dear 
friend William Byrd, of Marnhull, and became a 
member of that monthly meeting; and in com- 
pany with her husband, subsequently to the de- 
cease of Deborah Darby, she continued to make 
proof of her ministry, not only in our own Socie- 
ty, but also extensively amono; those of other de- 
nominations, in various parts of this nation, Scot- 
land, and Ireland. Her ministry was exercised 
in much watchfulness, and deep humility ; and 
its tendency was not only to gather the people to 
Christ, that he might become their Saviour from 
sin, but that, taught of him, they might be brought 
to a clear understanding of the spirituality and 
peaceableness of His kingdom. Having passed 
through many conflicts of spirit, and being kept 
alive to a sense of her own infirmities, she was 



REBECCA BYRD. 69 

prepared to sympathize with such as were in 
temptation, and tried with doubt and discourage- 
ment. To the weary, the heavy-laden, and those 
who were in tribulation and depression, it was 
often given her to speak a word for their comfort, 
and the strengthening of their faith. 

Whilst attending the Yearly Meeting of 1829, 
she was seised with an affection of apoplexy, from 
which she was so far restored, as to be frequently 
and acceptably engaged in her own meeting : and 
in her monthly and quarterly meetings, in the at- 
tendance of which she had, during her health, 
been very exemplary, and eminently serviceable. 

For about two years previous to her decease 
she was tried with much bodily suffering; and 
although confined at home, and living in a 
situation much secluded from intercourse with 
Friends, it was evident that her love to the cause 
of Christ, and her interest in the welfare of our 
own Society, and the progress of true religion in 
the world at large, were in no degree abated. 
For the youth amongst us, she had long felt an 
affectionate and ardent solicitude; and it might 
be truly said, that she had no greater joy than to 
behold the children of her friends walldng in the 
Truth. Her concern for our young people is so 
fully expressed in the following paper, which, 
though without date, appears to have been written 
in the course of her illness, it is thought desirable 
to insert it : 

" Often, very often, of latter time, when not 
well enough to move amongst my friends as 
heretofore, my mind has been led to remember 
some of my younger friends with earnest desires 



70 REBECCA EYRD. 

that it may please my heavenly Father to extend 
His gracious visitations to their souls, even as He 
was mercifully pleased to extend them to my soul, 
when young in years, so that all within me was 
bowed under the sense of his mercy and love in 
calling me, an unworthy creature, who had often 
turned a deaf ear to his secret wooings and 
strivings — in calling me into a strait and narrow 
way, even the way of the cross ; which for a sea- 
son was bitter to me, and I was ready to conclude, 
I never could yield my neck to such a yoke. 
But oh ! his boundless goodness in softening and 
melting my heart until it became willing to obey, 
and cheerfully to submit to be accounted a fool 
amongst my former associates ; and when this 
submission was brought about, then to fill my 
mind with a sense of his goodness, so that I could 
joyfully follow him in that way, which before had 
appeared so narrow, that I had considered it im- 
possible to walk therein. The sense of the love 
and mercy which was in that day extended to me, 
humbles my spirit while I record it, and raises 
living desires, that the same gracious power may 
so draw, and so strengthen many minds in this 
day, as to enable thern to forego every pleasant 
picture, or creaturely prospect, and to leave all 
that is behind ,* and in simplicity of heart to yield 
to the secret intimations of the Heavenly Visitant 
who would deal bountifully with them, and make 
them lambs of his pasture, and sheep of his fold ; 
clothing them from time to time with every requi- 
site for their welfare, unto which he is pleased to 
call them. And thus servants and handmaids will 
be raised up to succeed those who may be shortly 



REBECCA BYRD. 71 

called from works to rewards ; some of whom, 
though now much unfitted for active service, can 
thankfully acknowledge that they have not served 
a hard master ; and therefore strong are their de- 
sires that a succeeding generation may wisely 
give up their names to be enrolled as advocates in 
his blessed cause." 

Her state of mind at this time may be inferred 
from the subjoined extracts from her private 
memoranda : 

" Tenth month, 19th, 1832.— Serious thoughts 
of death almost constantly attend me, night and 
day ; yet death does not appear in prospect to 
have any sting. I hope this does not arise from 
stupefaction, though much mental weakness is my 
companion, but from a humble trust that mercy 
and peace await me. 

" Twelfth month. — O that I could sing of mercy 
and judgment, as some have often done ! But I 
am poor and empty ; yet my heart craves good. 
Help, Lord ! if it be thy will, and suffer me not 
to despair, however tried; for I have loved Thee 
and thy Truth, even from a. child. Oh! that in 
old age I may not forget Thee, who wast, the dew 
of my youth, and my Helper in time of trouble. 

" third month, 12th, 1833.— Since the Twelfth 
month last, I have been wholly confined to the 
house, and much to my chamber and bed ; with 
great pain both day and night : many of the latter 
have been nearly sleepless. O that I could be 
satisfied that patience has had its perfect work ! — 
One only knows my conflicts of mind and body; 
— may His compassion not fail." 



72 REBECCA BYRD. 

Her sufferings continued to increase, and she 
was often afflicted with very acute pain, and at 
times involved in mental conflict, by the with- 
drawing of that sense of the presence of her 
Saviour, which had been her joy and song in the 
course of her Christian pilgrimage. In this time 
of trial, her faith did not fail ; she cried unto the 
Lord in prayer, and we believe her prayer was 
granted, and that He to whom she desired to 
commit the keeping of her soul, in His ever- 
watchful care and love, was with her, and assist- 
ed her endeavours to stay her mind on him. One 
evening, when very ill, and thinking that perhaps 
she might leave this state of being before the 
morning, she wished her friends to know that, 
although her sufferings were very great, she did 
not murmur; neither had she a murmuring 
thought. Speaking of her religious service, she 
frequently said, that she knew of nothing that 
she had left undone that was required of her ; and 
that she felt no condemnation. And on another 
occasion, sending a message to one for whom she 
was religiously exercised, she said, " Tell her," 
alluding to her own state of mind, " it is all peace 
within, and I am waiting to be wafted away to 
the Lord Jesus, where I wish her to come to me." 
Within half an hour of her departure, though it 
was not considered by her attendants that her end 
was immediately at hand, her husband, who for 
many weeks had been confined to his chamber, 
with much weakness, was assisted to her bed-side. 
On inquiring how she felt herself, she said, she 
had no pain of mind, but only the pain of the body, 
and that " her peace was made." She spoke but 



ESTHER ATKINS. 73 

little after this interview, and quietly expired on 
the morning of the 24th of the Fifth month, 1834, 
in the 76th year of her age. 



Esther Atkins was the daughter of John and 
Anna Millard, of Tewksbury. Her natural dis- 
position was active and affectionate. Her mother 
died when she was about twelve years of age ; 
and she was deprived of her father about four 
years afterwards, and left under the care of guar- 
dians, with one of whom she resided, until her 
marriage with Samuel Atkins, of Chipping Nor- 
ton, in the Second month, 1799. This union ap- 
pears to have been attended with much comfort, 
and sweet enjoyment. But after the lapse of 
twelve years, the thorns and briars of adversity 
beset their path ; yet there is cause to believe, 
that the trying dispensation tended to her sanctifi- 
cation. She fled for safety to the Rock of Ages, 
and He sustained her ; she was instructed in the 
school of adversity, and refined in the furnace of 
affliction. 

The following were found among her memo- 
randa : — 

" Eleventh mo. 1814. I have long thought it 
the greatest of all blessings, that we are permitted, 
in the secret of our hearts, to hold communion 
with God; suffered to pour forth the fervent 
petition for aid, unto Him who is ever present, 
and knoweth all things. May I never cease, for 
many hours together, to maintain the struggle, 
the contest which ensures the Divine blessing: 
7 



74 ESTHER ATKINS. 

for though it has often seemed as if faith and 
hope were nearly gone, there has yot been aid 
mercifully extended in the time of need. Last 
evening, after unutterable exercise and conflict, 
the ancient Arm of Power was known to be un- 
derneath. Yes, it was again showed me, that we 
cannot rejoice, but through suffering, nor abound, 
without previous abasement. The sweet evidence 
was granted, that if the awful summons should 
soon go forth, < Steward, give up thy steward- 
ship,' the account was in good measure prepared. 
Many gracious promises were revived, and ap- 
plied with healing virtue, by the Great Physician 
himself. Trust, then, in Him forever, O, my 
soul ! for in the Lord Jehovah there is everlasting 
strength." 

After having, through faith and patience, wea- 
thered the storm, occasioned by the pecuniary 
embarrassments in which her dear husband's af- 
fairs were suddenly and unexpectedly involved, 
their prospects a little brightened, in these re- 
spects ; but fresh trials, of a different kind, now 
awaited her. In the Third month, 1815, she thus 
writes : — 

" Unto God will I commit my cause. Op- 
pressed with grief and anxiety, on account of my 
beloved husband's increased weakness," (arising 
from a spinal complaint,) " my spirit had, this 
evening, a discouraging prospect in view. But in 
retirement, and secret approach to that Being who 
is still mercifully regarding the workmanship of 
his hands, renewed faith and love were witness- 
ed ; and this language came fresh in my mind : 
c Unto God will I commit my cause.' He has 



I 



ESTHER ATKINS. 75 

hitherto helped me. He has supported under 
many unutterable baptisms and trials ; and I can 
not only recall past mercies with gratitude, but 
am enabled to depend on the same Divine Arm 
for future support. Therefore would I venture to 
commit to paper, present feelings ; hoping, when 
the mighty billows again threaten to overwhelm 
my little bark, I may seek unto the same good 
Pilot. Yea, whether a stormy or smooth passage 
through life be mine — if happily I steer by His 
counsel — the blissful haven of rest and peace 
shall, in due season, be attained." During this 
period of mental conflict, the preparing hand of 
her God was upon her; and, in due time, under 
the constraining influence of Gospel love, she was 
led to tell unto others, in the public assemblies of 
His people, what God had done for her soul. 
Being often favoured with the contriting influences 
of the Holy Spirit, she was enabled, at times, fer- 
vently to testify of the goodness and mercy of her 
Heavenly Father. 

She was acknowledged as a minister in 1817, 
in which capacity her communications were live- 
ly and edifying ; and she was repeatedly engaged 
to pay religious visits to her friends in their fami- 
lies, both within the compass of her own, and 
several neighbouring meetings. 

In 1821 she was deprived, by death, of her 
affectionate husband ; who had been sustained, 
through a long and lingering illness, in much 
sweet serenity of mind. The following memo- 
randa evince the frame of her spirit on this oc- 
casion : — 

" My retirement this afternoon has been sweet 



76 ESTHER ATKINS. 

indeed. My Saviour condescended to be very 
present with me, and verified many of his own 
gracious promises. I was enabled thankfully to 
rejoice, that my beloved husband had safely en- 
tered that city, where the inhabitants are no 
longer sick. I felt myself secure, under the 
guidance and protection of that Arm which led 
him in safety, through the wilderness of time ; 
and I reverently consigned by dear children, my 
all, to Divine disposal. O, the marvellous con- 
descension of Israel's Shepherd. He is indeed 
known to bind up the broken-hearted. He is the 
Comforter of his dependent children, and a pre- 
sent help in every needful time." 

Respecting the period immediately subsequent 
to these events, an endeared relative remarks : 
" Joy and peace once more smiled upon her little 
family circle. The invariable kindness, and uni- 
form sweetness of her disposition, blended with a 
forgetfulness of self, and a tender sympathy for 
the sorrows of others, endeared her to a large 
circle of friends ; whilst her humility — her thank- 
ful, simple faith in the Redeemer — her obedience 
to the will of her Heavenly Master — her meek- 
ness and quietness of spirit, enabled her to set 
before them a bright example of Christian grace 
and excellence. She was distinguished, also, by 
her unwearied efforts to relieve the wants, and 
soften the afflictions, of the poor around her. Va- 
rious benevolent societies of the town in which 
she resided, chiefly owe their origin to her energy 
and zeal ; and will cause her name to be long 
remembered with gratitude and heartfelt regret." 
Yet she was deeply sensible of the frailty, and 






ESTHER ATKINS. 77 

many weaknesses to which our nature is liable. 
On one occasion, she thus expresses her sense of 
the absolute necessity of experiencing the washing 
of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Spirit. 
" The innumerable company that John saw, in 
beatific vision, standing on Mount Zion, clothed 
in white robes, having palms in their hands, were 
such as came out of great tribulation. Thus 
they were qualified to unite in the triumphant 
song, ' Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon 
the throne, and unto the Lamb.' All who faith- 
fully persevere in an inward exercise and travail 
of soul, shall at length be made perfect, though 
it must be through suffering. This is the ap- 
pointed path to eternal rest and felicity. Our 
blessed Lord trod it before us ; leaving His 
example, that we should follow his steps. To 
abound, we must first be abased ; in order to 
rejoice, we must mourn over our frailties, and 
manifold infirmities. But, O, my soul! do not 
thou sorrow as though wholly destitute : help is 
laid upon One mighty to save, and to deliver to 
the very uttermost. Still confide in His promises 
— depend upon Him — turn not to the right hand 
nor to the left ; and he will, in unbounded love 
and mercy, still carry forward his own work. 
Yea, he will, if thou art obedient, give the oil of 
joy for mourning ; the garment of praise for the 
spirit of heaviness ; — and, in the end, will intro- 
duce thee to those, who ' hunger no more, neither 
thirst any more ; for the Lamb which is in the 
midst of the Throne shall feed them, and shall 
lead them unto living fountains of waters ; and 

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.' " 
7 * 



78 ESTHER ATKINS. 

Notwithstanding the frequent and deep exer- 
cises of spirit which she had to pass through, 
holy joy may, perhaps, be said to be the most char- 
acteristic feature of her private memoranda. In 
the Eighth month, 1830, she thus writes : " O, the 
transcendent joy, that awaits the humble-minded 
Christian in a future state of being ! ' Eye hath 
not seen ; neither hath ear heard.' Yet God hath 
given us a foretaste thereof, by his Spirit ; and it 
abundantly exceeds all temporal delights, so that 
his children are, as it were, already partakers of 
that glory which shall be revealed. They are 
come unto Mount Zion, to the City of the Living 
God ; to an innumerable company of angels, &c. 
Yet, alas ! how soon is the beatific vision closed ; 
and earthly objects, visible scenes, press upon the 
soul, and arrest its heaven-ward flight. O, Thou 
Almighty and ever-present Helper of thy people ! 
still shelter us, thy little ones, under the mantle of 
thy love. Repel, on our behalf, the fiery darts of 
the wicked one; and give us that faith which is 
invincible. Righteous Lord ! be Thou our sure 
refuge ; a place of defence to save us. Keep us, 
while sojourning in the wilderness of time, from 
every snare. Be with us when passing through 
Jordan's flood ; and in Canaan's land, permit our 
harps to praise Thee, with endless and triumphant 

joy!" 

In the autumn of 1830, she met with a dan- 
gerous accident, being thrown out of a carriage, 
when on her way to attend the Quarterly Meeting 
at Reading ; and for some time her life was ap- 
prehended to be in great danger ; but she was, 



ESTHER ATKINS. 79 

for a short season, restored to her family. During 
this illness, many sweet and instructive expres- 
sions dropped from her. It is probable that this 
illness, with the various deep and painful trials to 
which she had been subject, laid the foundation 
of that disease, which, about three years after the 
accident, brought her to the grave. 

In the spring and summer of 1832, the subject 
of this memoir had to endure additional trials, in 
the removal to distant parts of the country, of 
two of her children ; and the severe and protracted 
illness of a third. But in this storm also, the 
sufficiency of her Anchor was fully proved: 
Christ was her refuge. To Him she fled, in 
frequent religious retirement ; knowing, by large 
experience, the benefit and consolation arising to 
the Christian traveller, from the practice of deep 
awful prostration of soul before God in silence. 

The following memorandum, penned a few 
weeks prior to her death, evinces a heavenly frame 
of mind: — 

" I wish it were possible to make some little 
record of that precious, heavenly meeting I sat 
this morning; the Divine presence, and mercy, 
and goodness, so encompassed my soul, that it 
seemed ready to wing its way from earth : or, as 
a little bark, with a skilful pilot on board, about to 
launch into the ocean with a safe harbour in view. 
' How excellent is thy loving kindness, O Lord ! 
therefore the children of men put their trust 
under the shadow of Thy wings.' Language 
can but feebly express the sensations of my spirit : 
it was abilitated to join in the triumphant song, 
c Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive 



80 ESTHER ATKINS. 

riches, and power, and glory, and honour, and 
blessing.' It could willingly unite in adoring 
Him whom angels and archangels worship : 
*■ Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God 
Almighty! Just and true are all Thy ways, Thou 
King of Saints !' Tears of contrition and grate- 
ful joy, fell abundantly ; and at length, I returned 
to that state of poverty and emptiness, which is 
so much my allotment ; but which, I humbly 
trust, is a safe state." 

Her last illness, of little more than a week's 
continuance, was attended with much bodily suf- 
fering ; and she often spoke with difficulty ; 
but was enabled to express, in short sentences, 
the peace, the love, the heavenly joy, she was 
graciously permitted to feel, as the solemn crisis 
approached. At one time she said, " The Saviour 
died for all. The Saviour will never cast out 
those who come to Him; He is so kind and 
merciful." Of one of her absent daughters, she 
said, " Tell her 1 am comforted ; the Comforter 
is come. When we are passing from this world 
of sorrow, and the Comforter is near, O, how 
inconceivably glorious ! Now we see through a 
glass darkly ; but then we shall see face to face. 
He has known my soul in adversity, and suc- 
coured it in temptation. He will succour those 
that trust in Him : He will succour me forever." 

On allusion being made to her Gospel labours, 
she said, " I have been an unworthy servant ; 
my labours have been very small ;" soon after 
adding, " Not by works of righteousness which 
we have done, but according to his mercy He 
saveth us ,* by the washing of regeneration, and 



ANN BREWSTER. 81 

the renewing of the Holy Ghost." Once she 
said, " Oh ! we are poor weak creatures. What 
joyous rest it will be ! Peace, peace, peace, peace ; 
that is the summit of joy : His holy will be done, 
I desire to say." At another time, " Not quite 
ready for the white robe yet. What a change ! 
What a glorious change ! from a body of sin and 
death, to a body of life and glory : when I am 
gone, rejoice for me." 

" Praise the Lord," was an expression she fre- 
quently used ; endeavouring to press upon the 
minds of all, especially her own children, to trust 
in Him : saying, " That is my injunction to all 
my dear children ;" afterwards petitioning : " O ! 
Merciful Father, preserve all my dearest children." 

The day before she died, she said, " Heaven is 
for me ; God is for me. Secure in His protec- 
tion, I am so happy — so full of joy : there shall 
be no more trouble ; but praise forever." On 
the arrival of a beloved daughter, from a distance, 
she was just able to recognise her ; saying to her, 
" Yes, my dear, I am so happy — so full of joy." 
" I get weaker." The power of articulation soon 
nearly ceased ; but she made reference to that 
text, " Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart 
in peace." 



In the remembrance of the humility and dedi- 
cation to the cause of truth and righteousness 
which characterised our beloved friend, Ann 
Brewster, evidenced by yielding obedience to 
the restraining and tendering operations of Divine 



82 AXN BREWSTER. 

grace, we trust that her example may have an 
animating influence on survivors, holding forth 
this language, " Follow me as I have endeavoured 
to follow Christ." 

She was the daughter of Edward and Sarah 
She well, and was born in London, in the year 
1762. The religious care exercised by her pa- 
rents over the minds of their tender offspring 
appears, as she expresses it, to have been " so 
far blessed to some of them that it appeared as a 
nail fastened in a sure place." We cannot more 
appropriately set forth the experience of our 
dear friend, than by some extracts from her own 
memoranda. In these she remarks, " I could 
say with thankfulness of heart the Lord was my* 
morning Light ; for I well remember to have 
been favoured with that light in very early life as 
a reprover for sin, even in childish trangressions 
and disobedience to parental injunctions. Thus 
it was with me," she adds, " when very young, 
that I was made renewedly sensible of the love of 
Him who first loved us ; and I often shed tears 
of joy under a sense of the power of Divine love 
covering my mind in a remarkable manner, so 
that I loved to get alone to enjoy the inexpressi- 
ble comfort I derived from it, and this brought a 
great fear and dread over my mind, lest I should 
offend Him whom I loved, and fervently desired 
would not overlook such a poor little child. When 
I committed a fault, how keenly have I felt re- 
proof. I am certain that if the necessity of at- 
tending to the inward Monitor were impressed 
upon children, they would not so often grow up in 
hardness of heart." 






ANN BREWSTER. 83 

When about seven years of age, she was sent 
to a boarding-school, where, in endeavouring to 
maintain her consistency as a Friend, by using 
the plain language, (being the only Friend's child 
there,) she became subject to ridicule from some 
of her companions ; but, she remarks, " there 
were other dear children to whom I was affec- 
tionately attached and united, whose minds were 
remarkably visited by the influences of the Holy 
Spirit, by which we were drawn to read the Holy 
Scriptures together, and converse upon them with 
great interest." 

Although love to her Heavenly Father thus 
prevailed in her heart, yet as she grew older, 
through drawing back from his restraining power, 
she wished for more liberty in dress and some 
other things ; but, she observes, " loving-kindness 
followed me, so that I found a place of prayer in 
secret ; and I can now say that I loved the Lord 
my God, and Jesus Christ his beloved Son, my 
Redeemer ; for I have been sensible of the in- 
shinings of heavenly love at times, throughout 
my life." In another place she says, " I remem- 
ber one of my school-fellows describing some 
places of amusement, which raised something 
like a regret that I could not go, when the words 
arose in my mind, c They that love anything more 
than me, are not worthy of me,' filling me with 
sweet peace, so that I never afterwards felt even 
a desire after anything of this kind : and now I 
can say I am thankful for having been brought 
up amongst Friends, a people whose principles 
are pure, and though they bring into the narrow 



84 ANN BREWSTER. 

way, yet is that way quite broad enough to walk 
in arid enjoy the blessings of life." 

Our dear friend was united in marriage with 
Thomas Brewster, in the year 1784, and went 
to reside within the limits of Kingston Month- 
ly Meeting, in 1800. Her disposition was re- 
markably tender and humane, and evinced much 
sympathy with those under sutTering. She was 
ever ready to relieve the wants of the poor, and 
she discharged the various relative duties of life 
with much affectionate kindness. 

From 1812 to 1828, she continued, at times, to 
record in her diary her various trials and religi- 
ous exercises, particularly relating to her being 
called to the work of the ministry, which laid 
weightily on her mind for many years. At 
length, believing the time to be arrived, the 
natural timidity of her disposition gave way to 
apprehended duty, and she expressed a few words 
in the meeting at Wandsworth in the Twelfth 
month, 1818, and it appears to have afforded her 
sweet peace in thus submitting her will to that of 
her Divine Master. On this occasion she writes, 
" I hope I shall be strengthened to praise His 
holy name on a dying bed for all his mercies to- 
wards me, an unworthy creature." 

In 1821 she was acknowledged as a minister, 
and in the same year paid a religious visit to the 
families of Friends of Wandsworth Particular 
Meeting ; in yielding to which service, heavenly 
peace appears to have been her portion. She 
was subsequently engaged in several visits to her 
own and some of the neighbouring Quarterly 
Meetings, from which labours of love she also 



ANN BREWSTER. 85 

experienced much comfort, saying, on one occa- 
sion, " I have great cause to commemorate the 
Lord's favours." In the course of a visit she 
paid in 1825 to the families of Friends in one of 
the Monthly Meetings in Suffolk, she mentions, 
she had times of discouragement and suffering, 
from a sense of great weakness, crying, ' Lord 
increase my faith, and arise for my help ; pre- 
serve me that so thy precious cause may never 
suffer through me a poor worm.' Her commu- 
nications in the exercise of her gift, though short, 
were lively and marked by much simplicity and 
sweetness ; the love of our Heavenly Father ap- 
peared to be the constant clothing of her mind. 

In the Fourth month, 1828, she was attacked with 
chronic rheumatism, which produced great suffer- 
ing for the remainder of her life, during which 
much patience and resignation were manifest. 

She was a diligent attender of our religious 
meetings, and in them was often favoured with 
a renewal of her strength ; she continued in the 
performance of this duty even when her bodily 
infirmities rendered her unable to move without 
assistance ; and when wholly prevented from thus 
meeting with her friends, she considered this 
to be the greatest privation it was her lot to ex- 
perience. During this latter period the Monthly 
Meetings for Ministers and Elders were chiefly 
held in her chamber, a privilege she highly 
valued ; the remembrance thereof by those who 
met on these occasions is sweet, so remarkably 
did they appear to be times of the overshadowing 
of Divine love. 

The bodily sufferings of this our dear friend 
8 



86 MARGARET ALLEN. 

during the last year of her life were very great ; 
but she was enabled to bear them with Christian 
patience, and in humble resignation to wait the 
Lord's time, whilst the earnest desire of her heart 
was to be permitted at last to reach a place of 
rest and peace, " where," she adds, " I shall meet 
my dear Lord, and live forever with him. Then 
shall I attain unto the consummate wishes and 
breathings of my soul through life, having had an 
earnest desire to be found worthy to be admitted 
an inhabitant in the kingdom of Heaven, when 
time shall terminate my existence here." 

Thus our beloved friend was preserved in faith 
and patience to the end : and when He, whose 
tender love had followed her all her life, and 
through whose strength she had been enabled to 
occupy the talent received, was pleased to say, 
It is enough ! and to remove her from this state 
of probation and suffering, we reverently believe 
the ardent prayer of her soul was answered, and, 
that, through redeeming love and mercy, she is 
admitted into the joy of her Lord. 

Our dear friend died on the 21st of Fourth 
month, 1835, aged seventy-three years. 



The latter years of the life of Margaret 
Allen, afford little subject of general interest ; 
they were marked by much bodily infirmity, 
arising from a paralytic affection which in great 
measure deprived her of the power of speech ; 
but in earlier life, her diligent and pious labours 
to promote the cause of Truth, and her deep in- 



MARGARET ALLEN. 87 

terest in the welfare of the youth of our religious 
Society, induce us to believe that some account of 
this dear friend, with extracts from her letters and 
memoranda, may prove instructive and helpful to 
the humble and sincere-hearted Christian. 

She possessed a strong and sound understand- 
ing, and although she had not had the advantage 
of literary acquirements, she had learned much in 
the school of Christ, and was thus prepared to 
clothe the sentiments of her vigorous mind in 
clear and often impressive language. Some ver- 
bal corrections have been made in the subsequent 
extracts, but many of them required little or no 
alteration. As they are usually without any date, 
the order of time cannot be attended to in arrang- 
ing them. 

Our friend was born in the year 1748, and was 
the daughter of John and Ann Stafford, formerly 
of Cork, but afterwards of Spital-fields, London. 
She was blessed with pious parents, and she fre- 
quently acknowledged the obligation she was 
under to them for their example of faith, patience 
and humility ; for although her father died when 
she was very young she had been sensible of the 
sweetness of his spirit, and cherished a lively and 
grateful recollection of the mercies of the Lord 
towards him in sustaining him through many deep 
trials and baptisms, and in the end giving him a 
foretaste of those immortal joys, into which, 
through the merits of a crucified Saviour, he felt 
he was about to enter. In describing his latter 
>nd, she mentions, that a person who stood by his 
I ed observed that he was dying, when he raised his 
1 >ad and said, " Die to live ;" soon after which he 



s 



88 MARGARET ALLEN. 

breathed his last, so quietly that those who were 
w r ith him scarcely perceived it, " Thus," she 
continues, " my honoured father closed a life of 
trials, of judgments, and of mercies. Having 
known his garments washed and made white in 
the blood of the Lamb, he is united, I doubt not, 
to the general assembly and church of the first- 
born, which are written in heaven." 

She had scarcely attained the age of twenty 
years when she was deprived of the affectionate 
care of her beloved and honoured mother. She 
deeply felt the dissolving of this tender tie, but in 
this keen affliction, Divine support was meicifully 
granted ; and when, in advanced life, she was led 
to review the condescending goodness of her Hea- 
venly Father towards her, she says, " And having 
frequently felt humble gratitude spring in my 
heart to the Preserver of men on my own account, 
I have been led to look back and trace the wonder- 
ful preservations I have been favoured with, from 
early life down to the present time; and the lan- 
guage of my heart has been, " Why, O Lord, hast 
thou thus favoured such a worm as T am? Surely 
because thou art a covenant-keeping God. Thou 
gavest my dear father, when leaving us, faith to 
believe that thou wouldst provide for his widow 
and fatherless children, if they kept near to thy 
Truth. Thou hast done it, yea abundantly more 
than I could have asked or thought. Thou shalt 
have the praise, O Lord ! for it is thy own doing. 
And may I, and all that belong to me, keep these 
unmerited mercies continually in view, and may 
we be preserved humbly walking in thy fear to 
the end of time !" 



MARGARET ALLEN. 89 

At the time of her mother's decease, she was 
the only survivor of nine children. She feelingly 
alludes to the loneliness of her situation, and her 
need of counsel, when mentioning her prospect 
of a matrimonial connexion, but she sought for 
Divine direction, and expresses a hope that the 
paternal care of her Heavenly Father was ex- 
tended towards her, when left without father or 
mother, brother or sister to advise her in a mat- 
ter of the greatest importance in life. She was 
married in the year 1769, to Job Allen of Spital- 
fields, an upright honest man, who united with 
her in the desire that they might walk before the 
Lord as became their Christian profession. They 
had six sons, one of whom died in infancy. 
They were frequently favoured with the com- 
pany of pious Friends who were engaged in the 
service of the Gospel in the city and neighbour- 
hood ; a privilege which she much prized, espe- 
cially for her dear children, respecting whom she 
says, " He who knoweth all things, knows I never 
coveted or asked great things, the prayer of my 
heart for them was, that if they lived, they might 
be men fearing God and hating covetousness, 
and be enabled to stand in support of the principles 
of Truth." In adverting afterwards to what had 
been her concern for them in infancy, she says, 
"And now, as the Almighty has given them 
more than I could have expected, may they come 
up in dedication, and obedience to the pointings 
of duty, frequently inquiring what they owe unto 
their Lord." 

She was of a diffident disposition and at times 
deeply humbled under a sense of her great weak- 
8* 



90 MARGARET ALLEN. 

ness and un worthiness, particularly when she be- 
lieved herself called to the work of the ministry, 
a work for which it is believed she was prepared 
through the baptizing influence of the Holy Spirit. 
Her public communications were neither long nor 
frequent, but they were weighty and instructive, 
and she evinced much care to wait for the putting 
forth of Him who alone can rightly qualify for that 
important service. She was acknowledged as a 
Minister by Devonshire-house Monthly Meeting in 
1790, and with the approbation of her friends was 
at different times engaged in religious visits to 
some of the neighbouring counties. She also 
twice visited the families composing her own 
Monthly Meeting. 

In the year 1800 her beloved husband was 
taken from her, after an illness of little more 
than three weeks. This afflicting event at first 
almost overwhelmed her, but she was upheld 
by the merciful hand of Him who she was enabled 
to acknowledge doeth all things well, and her fer- 
vent petition was that she might possess her soul 
in patience unto the end. She was placed in pe- 
culiarly trying circumstances about the time of his 
decease, in consequence of an alarm from a mob, 
who being exasperated at the high price of bread, 
attacked many houses in the neighbourhood. 
Friends had been unjustly charged, through some 
newspapers, with being the cause of its rising, 
which excited a bitter spirit in the people, and 
they prepared to attack them on the corn market ; 
they were, however, not permitted to hurt any, and 
" the evening of that day," says M. A. in a letter 
to a friend, " they assembled in great numbers, 



MARGARET ALLEN. 91 

and passing from Spital-fields to Bishopsgate 
street, made a halt at the corner, and were heard 
by one of my family to say, " Here is a Quaker's 
house, let us beset it." Their noise was hideous, 
and the confusion very alarming. Oh ! I seemed 
then to have as much as nature could bear : My 
husband lying in a dying state not fit to be moved, 
and a lawless mob let loose upon us ; but I hope I 
may say that at that time I cried unto the Lord 
and he heard me, for in a little time they went off 
without throwing a stone or ringing the bell. I 
often think how unworthy I am of such a preser- 
vation. My dear husband was rather disturbed 
with their noise, but not sufficiently sensible to 
enter much into it. He lived but one day and a 
few hours after." 

The following year her maternal feelings were 
deeply tried in the loss of her son Jonathan, a 
very promising young man, who was removed 
from a circle of friends by whom he was much 
beloved, when he was about twenty-three years of 
age. How keenly she felt this bereavement will 
be seen by the following letter : 

" I received my dear friend's sympathizing 
letter since my recent loss — a loss indeed of such 
a kind as seemed for a while as it were to stun 
nature, being so unexpected, and at a time when 
I seemed the most unable to bear it ; but it has 
strengthened this memento, This is not thy rest- 
ing place, I have sometimes compared myself to 
a vessel in dock, that in order to be launched must 
have all the stays and props, one by one, knocked 
away from it. I know I have been too closely attach- 
ed to my near ties, and it has prevented me some- 



92 MARGARET ALLEN. 

times from doing all I might have done ; there- 
fore at times I can kiss the hand that has permitted 
such close trials to attend me, in order to wean, 
even from the over love of lawful love. May 
the few more days allotted me be more dedicated, 
and if at last accepted, all will be well ; for I have 
an undoubted assurance that the dear deceased 
had so numbered his days as to apply his heart 
unto wisdom, that wisdom that comes from above. 
Although favoured with health of body which 
might have given the expectation of length of 
days, happily for him he did not trust to such an 
uncertainty, but was fervent in spirit, serving the 
Lord. He sought him early and late, I am well 
assured ; and he was found of him, — which in an 
humble manner he one night expressed, when 
under much bodily indisposition. As I was sit- 
ting by him I perceived he was breathing in 
spirit unto the Lord : I heard him utter, " Jesus 
Christ ;" he turned himself in bed, and seeing me, 
said. " Mother, Heavenly Goodness is near to us." 
I answered, " It is near to thee, my dear." He 
then in sweet melody uttered something to this 
effect ; " O Lord ! thou hast been graciously 
pleased to condescend to lend thine holy ear unto 
my cry, and grant my request, for which I praise 
thy great name. Be pleased, O Lord ! to bring 
down every high and lofty thing. Bring down 
the mountains and exalt the valleys, that there 
may be a way for the Truth to spread, and thy 
name to be exalted, that the knowledge of thee 
may extend from land to land, and from sea to sea ; 
that all nations may come to acknowledge thee, 
and come under thy holy government, thou Prince 






MARGARET ALLEN. 93 

of peace." My mind was so much overcome with 
a feeling of heavenly sweetness, that I lost the 
thread of the words, but no words can convey the 
solemnity that attended him while under the holy 
covering. A night or two after, a kind relation 
and I being with him, he expressed in a sweet 
manner his feeling for me, and after having, in 
much humility, prayed to the Father of mercies 
for the continuance of his regard to himself, said 
by way of encouragement to me, " The Lord will 
yet show unto thee great things, and give them 
to thee to show unto others." One day in the 
forepart of his illness he looked sweetly on me 
and said, " I must die mother, let me die. There 
is a placed prepared — an everlasting habitation." 
Though he is gone from me, his sweet spirit lives 
in my remembrance, and I believe he is not only 
a loss to me, but to others also, for he laboured 
privately with his little gift, which gave me great 
hopes he might be of use ; but ah ! he was to me 
like Jonah's gourd to him. I seemed to take 
shelter under the spreading branches of his pious 
mind, but ah ! the worm was. permitted to bite the 
root, and the leaves withered. May the Lord be 
pleased to strengthen me to do or to suffer all 
that may be necessary to loosen from the ties of 
nature, and purify my spirit that it may be made 
fit to join those who have been already added to 
the number who cry ' Holy, Holy, Holy.' " 

Her papers contain many proofs of her religious 
care over her children, and her solicitude for their 
best interests. On one occasion when great bodily 
weakness made her consider it doubtful whether 
she might be long spared to them, she wrote a short 



94 MARGARET ALLEN. 

address, to them in which she says, " Now my 
dear children above all things fear the Lord your 
God. l The fear of the Lord is as a fountain of 
life, to depart from the snares of death.' I can 
set my seal to this testimony ; it has many times 
in very early life been my defence when evil has 
presented, and the desire of my soul is, that this 
holy fear may rest on each of your minds. In 
your choice of companions, be sure you look to 
their conduct, and see whether this fear seems to 
predominate, if it does not, by no means keep 
company with them. Let it be your earnest desire 
that the religion of your education be that of your 
sound judgment, and if this petition be put up in 
sincerity of heart, the Lord will condescend to 
open your understandings, and let you see your 
duties. When these are clearly seen, take care 
not to reason with flesh and blood, saying, ' This 
is but a little thing, surely there can be no harm 
in it.' Dear children, this is a rock many have split 
against, and by despising the day of small things, 
greater have not been committed to their trust." 

She directed the attention of her children to 
the example of those dedicated servants of the 
Lord of whom we have instructive records, adding, 
" Their greatest care and concern was the glory 
of that God who made them — they sought first his 
kingdom, and his righteousness, and all things 
needful were added unto them. And so they will 
to you, I doubt not, if this is your happy choice. 
As to your outward settlement in life, I have not 
been anxious respecting it, but often have I prayed 
unto the Lord, that my children might be his 



MARGARET ALLEN. 95 

faithful servants. You cannot serve a better 
Master." 

She enforced the necesity of care in the choice of 
books, and particularly recommended the perusal 
of the Holy Scriptures, and the writings of Friends. 
" In the perusal of such books," she says, " you 
may hope for comfort and lasting satisfaction." 

Although necessarily much occupied with do- 
mestic duties, love to her Divine Master was such 
an active principle in the mind of our dear friend, 
that she was ever ready to perform any work or 
service that she believed to be of his requiring. 

In the station of overseer, which she filled for 
some years with great acceptance to her friends, 
she proved that she took charge of the flock not by 
constraint but willingly, and of a ready mind. 
She was truly desirous to strengthen the weak, 
to encourage the tender, to caution the unwary, 
and to warn the careless or disobedient ; and these 
evidences of her love to her friends, and of her 
Christian concern for their spiritual welfare, were 
extensively useful. The state of her hoalth ren- 
dering it sometimes difficult to obtain personal 
interviews with the object of her pious care, 
she was induced to address them in writing. 
From these communications we select the follow- 
ing instructive remarks. 

To a young friend who appears to have shared 
but few advantages, she says : — 

" Being in some degree sensible of the loss thou 
hast sustained for want of a religious education, I 
have felt a desire that thou mayest be concerned, 
now in thy youth, to seek after the knowledge of 
God and of his son Jesus Christ ; whom to know 



96 MARGARET ALLEN. 

is life eternal. We may remember the advice in 
the Scriptures of Truth, to seek first the kingdom 
of God and his righteousness, and there is a pro- 
mise that all things necessary shall be added. We 
are under the new covenant, that the Almighty 
promised by the mouth of his prophet, when he 
said, 'Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that 
I will make a new covenant with the house of 
Israel and with the house of Judah ; not according 
to the covenant that I made with their fathers, 
which my covenant they brake. I will put my law 
in their inward parts and write it in their hearts, 
and will be their God and they shall be my peo- 
ple.' It is to this inward law, dear child, I 
would recommend thee. It will teach thee as never 
man taught, it will show thee what is evil, and 
if followed, will lead out of evil and into good. It 
is the work of the great enemy of our happiness to 
endeavour to draw the mind outw T ard, that we may 
not hear this Teacher, and to promise us happiness 
in what suits our inclinations ; thus many are 
sorrowfully held from following the way that leads 
to everlasting life. Now, dear child, let us con- 
sider the great value of an immortal soul — we 
have a part in us that can never die. It must 
live forever, either in never-ending joy or never- 
ending misery ; and we may remember our dear 
Lord describes but two ways to walk in, when he 
says, " Wide is the gate and broad is the way that 
leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go 
in thereat, because strait is the gate and narrow is 
the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be 
that find it." 

" The earnest desire of my mind is that thou 



MARGARET ALLEN 97 

mayest be of the happy number that strive to en- 
ter in at the strait gate, and in order to do so 
thou must humbly beg for help to overcome our 
three great enemies, the world, the flesh, and the 
devil. I am not inviting thee, my dear, to a form 
of godliness, but am desirous that thy heart may 
be cleansed by the power thereof. 

" I would tenderly advise thee to love retirement, 
and avoid hurtful company. Be diligent in reading 
the Holy Scriptures, and earnestly seek for a por- 
tion of that Spirit by which they were given forth. 
If this is the honest engagement of thy mind, 
thou wilt be made a partaker of that peace which 
the world, with all that it contains, cannot give, 
neither can it take it away, and in the end of time, 
through him who came to save from sin, thou 
wilt have an inheritance amongst them that have 
overcome the world." 

In addressing a person with whom our friend 
appears to have had but little acquaintance she says, 

" From my first seeing thee, I felt a desire for 
thy help every way. I covet for myself and thee 
that we may possess that true faith which works 
by love to the purifying of the heart ; and not rest 
content with any thing short of this operative 
principle. If ever we become not only the called 
but the chosen, we must be heirs of this true and 
living faith — know our hearts cleansed from all 
dead works and dead forms, that so we may serve 
the Lord in newness of life. This, my friend, is the 
ground work of true Christianity — it is not planted 
in the head but in the heart, and shows itself by 
the fruits it brings forth — fruits of meekness, 
patience, brotherly kindness and true charity. 
9 



98 MARGARET ALLEN. 

Now it is said, against such there is no law — no 
law of condemnation ; for such live not after the 
flesh, in the fulfilment of the will of their fallen 
nature, but after the Spirit, knowing by the ope- 
ration of this principle, a death unto sin, and a 
new birth unto righteousness." 

The following sentiments are contained in de- 
tached memoranda : 

" My mind has been much exercised an account 
of many professing with us who have not come in 
at the right door, which door is Christ, but have 
climbed up by education, or a superficial convince- 
ment, neither of which will make a new creature : 
it is only being born of God, born from above, 
that can produce this change, and where some- 
thing of this experienced, how different is the 
conduct ! Those who have set the Lord always be- 
fore them, dare not do otherwise than acknowledge 
him in all their ways. They prefer Jerusalem to 
their chief joy. But how sorrowfully does the 
language of conduct proclaim in many, that they 
love the world, and are striving to get as much of 
the things of it together as they can, that they 
may have a name in the earth ! These are as 
stumbling blocks in the way of honest inquirers. 
The prosperity of Zion is not their delight, there- 
fore the Lord is angry. — He is angry with the 
professors of the pure unchangeable Truth, because 
they have not honoured him, but have waxed fat 
with his blessings, and kicked at his requisitions. 
— These he will judge. — Is he not calling, has 
he not called us all the day long ? Will he behold 
iniquity in Jacob, or perverseness in Israel with 
approbation? Surely no — He spared not those 



MARGARET ALLEN. 99 

whom with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm 
he brought out of Egypt, when through grievous 
revolt they forsook his covenant and cast his law 
behind their backs. — Will he then own those who 
in life and practice disown him in this day. — It 
cannot be consistent with his purity and justice. — 
My spirit is covered with mourning in considering 
what must be the consequence of the many visita- 
tions that have passed away unheeded. — Surely 
the ground that has often been watered, and 
produces nothing but weeds, is in danger of be- 
ing destroyed. Ah ! may the Lord be pleased 
to visit with his rod, and gather with the crook of 
his love, the members of the religious Society of 
which I am a member ! 

" My mind has been deeply affected under the 
consideration that hurt has been done by too much 
talk about religion ; by kindling a fire of our own, 
and compassing ourselves about with sparks that 
we have kindled, therefore a lying down in sorrow 
has been experienced. — We have not enough con- 
sidered what our dear Lord said to the Samaritan 
woman, viz., " If thou knewest the gift of God, 
and who it is that saith to thee give me to drink ; 
thou wonldst have asked of him, and he would 
have given thee living water," which water would 
be in us a well of water springing up into ever- 
lasting life. Oh ! the loss that the children of 
men sustain, for want of knowing this gift of God, 
although they can talk of God and Christ. 

" My kingdom is not of this world, if my king- 
dom were of this world, then would my servants 



100 MARGARET ALLEN. 

fight," &c. These are the express words of our 
holy Pattern, the head of the true church, and 
are consonant with the whole tenor of his doctrine, 
and the great end of his coming, which was to 
redeem man from that unregenerate state in which 
alone wars and fightings can exist. May such as 
profess themselves his ministers and ambassadors, 
by a living experience of the efficacy of the doc- 
trines they teach, clearly manifest their faith to 
be one and the same with the primitive believers 
who had to declare, " though we walk in the flesh, 
we do not war after the flesh : for the weapons of 
our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through 
God to the pulling down of strong holds, casting 
down imaginations, and every thing that exalteth 
itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing 
into captivity every thought to the obedience of 
Christ." 

Deeply impressed with the danger of earthly 
mindedness, Margaret Allen was often concerned 
to warn her friends against the eager pursuit of 
worldly treasure, and an indulgence in superflui- 
ties, in the procuring of which the mind is in dan- 
ger of becoming absorbed by temporal things. 
On this subject she says, 

" I have often thought of the parable of the 
marriage supper, when the servants were sent to 
call them that were bidden, for all things were 
ready ; alas ! alas ! their minds were otherwise 
taken up. One had bought a farm, another oxen, 
another had married a wife, all desired to be ex- 
cused. These things were all lawful in their 
places, under Divine direction, but being preferred, 
shut them out of Divine favour. We do not read 



MARGARET ALLEN. 101 

that they were engaged in rioting or drunkenness, 
or any gross enormities, no, but the love of earthly 
things and earthly cares had taken up their affec- 
tions ; and this may stand as a caution to all." 

In speaking of her own tribulations, and her 
desire that the Lord might support her unto the 
end, she says, c * He, and he alone knoweth the 
paths I have trod, and when he has refined, he 
will, I humbly trust, through the redeeming love 
of my dear Saviour, say, it is enough, and receive 
my tribulated spirit." 

Although infirmities increased with advancing 
years, a clear perception of the love of her Hea- 
venly Father appeared undiminished, and the fer- 
vent desire of her heart was that she might con- 
tinue to experience His sustaining power, and gra- 
cious support. On one occasion she thus writes, 

" O Lord, God, Almighty ! Maker and Up- 
holder of all things, be pleased in mercy to look 
down upon me and support my drooping spirit. 
Thou knowest all things, thou knowest that 1 love 
thee, and thy law has been and is precious in my 
view, yea, more to me than any earthly treasure." 

In a memorandum of later date she says, 

" O Lord ! the tribute of thanksgiving and 
praise is thy due, thou Almighty Preserver, thou 
wert the guide of my youth, thou art the staff of 
my age ; what shall I render to thee for thy mul- 
tiplied blessings? Even when nature fails, thou 
dost not fail, thou raisest a grateful sense of un- 
merited mercies !" 

We have already said that a paralytic affection 
deprived her of the power of speech during the 
latter years of her life, yet in this season of trial 
9* 



102 EDWARD ALEXANDER. 

she much enjoyed hearing the Holy Scriptures 
read, also the journals of Friends, &c. and fre- 
quently indicated by animated signs, her satisfac- 
tion and comfort. Her decline was very gradual, 
and the solemn peace that was felt by those who 
were present at her final close, strengthened the 
humble and thankful belief, that having known her 
garments to be washed and made white in the 
blood of the Lamb, her purified spirit is forever 
centred in the rest that is prepared for the people 
of God. 

She died in the First month 1830, aged about 
82 years. 



The memory of our late dear friend, Edward 
Alexander of Limerick, being precious to many, 
we have been induced to compile a brief account 
of him, in the hope that his instructive example 
of dedication and obedience, united with the 
Christian graces of humility, faith, and love, may 
prove animating and encouraging to those who 
are endeavouring to follow the Lamb whitherso- 
ever he is pleased to lead them, and also to in- 
duce others to enter the same path. 

He was born in the year 1788, and was the 
eldest son of Samuel and Deborah Alexander of 
Limerick; to whose religious care over him, he 
attributed, under the Divine blessing, his being 
preserved in his youth from falling into great evils. 
He was led to seek an acquaintance with his God 
at a very early age. In reference to this period 
of his life, when perhaps not more than seven 



EDWARD ALEXANDER. 103 

years old, he says, " Being in a lonely place, I 
suddenly felt a solemn calm and quiet come over 
my mind, under which influence I felt deeply 
humbled, and beheld myself a poor miserable 
sinner : and so much was my spirit contrited be- 
fore the Lord, that I prostrated myself on the 
ground in much brokenness, and was, I think 
made to feel so much of his goodness and mercy 
as made me long to love, follow, and obey him." 

As his mind developed, he manifested a social, 
kind, and benevolent disposition ; feeling for the 
sufferings of his fellow-creatures in poverty and 
distress, and assisting in various ways to admin- 
ister to their necessities. During this time it 
appears that in condescending goodness and mer- 
cy, that Power which had tendered his youthful 
heart, still followed him as the Reprover for sin, 
in those follies in which the unregenerate mind is 
prone to indulge. 

In the year 1817 he was married to Jenepher 
Fisher of Youghal ; and soon after taking this 
important step, he was favoured with a renewed 
sense of the danger of his situation as it respected 
his eternal well-being. It, appears however that 
these convictions of Divine grace were not suffi- 
ciently yielded to, but the visitations of the 
Heavenly Father's love were still mercifully ex- 
tended towards him, until at length he was made 
willing to surrender himself into the Lord's hand, 
and to forsake those things which he saw to be 
evil. The following memorandum, in which he 
commemorates this period, evinces that be became 
earnest in the pursuit of substantial good : he says, 
" I began to hunger and thirst after righteousness. 



104 EDWARD ALEXANDER. 

and this drew me to practise retirement, and to 
feel for ability to pray to my Heavenly Father 
against whom I knew I had sinned." In these 
exercises lie had much to contend with, from the 
assaults of an unwearied adversary, yet was pre- 
servation graciously vouchsafed ; and being made 
willing to endure many conflicts, deep provings, 
and humiliations, he was prepared for usefulness 
in that cause which was now become precious to 
him. 

About this time he writes, "As I became 
measurably sensible of the Lord's gracious and 
remarkable dealings with me, I had at times a be- 
lief that it might be required of me to testify of 
his goodness to others. I have reason to believe, 
that it would not have been thought, by many of 
my friends, at all probable that this would have 
been my allotment in the church ; for I did not 
possess so enlarged a natural understanding as 
many, neither was I favoured with what is gene- 
rally called a liberal education. And although I 
am perfectly aware that these qualifications are 
not necessary in the constitution of true ministry, 
yet when they are in complete subjection to the 
Spirit of Truth, they may be valued as servants 
in their places; so that, on a retrospect of the 
past, that saying of the Apostle is made good in 
my experience, " God hath chosen the weak things 
of the world to confound the things which are 
mighty." 

The belief thus recorded by our beloved friend, 
that it might be required of him to testify to 
others of the Lord's goodness, was realized in 
the year 1829, when he felt it his duty to enter 



EDWARD ALEXANDER. 105 

upon this line of service in our religious meetings, 
and at the close of the year 1831, he was acknow- 
ledged a minister. 

From this time he diligently occupied with 
the gift entrusted to him, being much engaged in 
the service of his Divine Master, both in visiting 
the meetings throughout the nation, and the fami- 
lies of Friends in several of them ; he had also 
many public meetings, frequently holding such in 
places where none of the Society of Friends reside. 
These engagements were sometimes of a very try- 
ing nature, from the prevalence of ignorance and 
superstition ; but feeling that he was not his own, 
and had not gone forth in his own strength, he 
was enabled firmly but meekly to withstand in the 
evil day, and to wield the weapons of his warfare, 
which we have reason to believe were in some 
instances mighty through God to the pulling down 
of strongholds. He was eminently fitted for this 
arduous service, his kind, humble, and truly 
Christian deportment, making way for him in the 
hearts of the people ; and both on these occasions 
and in his religious labours amongst the inhabi- 
tants of his native city, where he was much be- 
loved, he appeared to have been clolhed with the 
armour of righteousness on the right hand and on 
the left. 

On the appearance of cholera in Limerick, he 
was concerned to address the people in several of 
the streets, and he held two meetings with the in- 
habitants. In the following year he apprehended 
it to be his duty to publish a solemn warning to 
the people of Ireland, in reference to that awful 
visitation, calling them to repentance ; this ad- 



106 EDWARD ALEXANDER. 

dress being united with by his Monthly and Quar- 
terly meetings, was, in accordance with his con- 
cern, posted up in most cities and towns through- 
out the kingdom. 

For the youth of our religious Society he was 
deeply interested ; greatly desiring that they might 
" grow in grace and in the knowledge of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ;" living in the fear 
of their Creator, obeying his commandments, 
walking humbly before him, and not following the 
customs and fashions of a vain delusive world. 

Wherever his lot was cast, the sick and the 
afflicted shared his sympathy, and he often ad- 
dressed the language of encouragement to the 
mourners in Zion. He was concerned to warn 
the careless, and such as refused to listen to the 
reproofs of instruction ; or who were resting in a 
profession of the Truth, without submitting to its 
regenerating power. 

In the year 1835, he attended the Yearly Meet- 
ing of London, and was engaged as a minister of 
the Gospel in different parts of England, Scotland 
and Wales. 

In the early part of 1836, being liberated for 
farther service in Ireland, he visited some of the 
meetings in Leinster province and the meeting of 
Cork, whence he returned home at the latter end 
of the Seventh month. 

In the retrospect of these engagements he feel- 
ingly acknowledged being favoured with the re- 
ward of peace. On the following First-day he 
was engaged in his own meeting in a very re- 
markable and weighty manner; and in a few days 
after was seised with severe illness. In the course 



EDWARD ALEXANDER. 107 

of his disorder, which was attended with much 
suffering of body, he was at times depressed in 
mind ; but even then his remarks were very in- 
structive ; he frequently spoke of the deep exercise 
he felt on account of others, and was often en- 
gaged in supplication for his family and for the 
Society generally. 

The day before his decease, he supplicated 
nearly as follows : " Oh Lord God Almighty ! I 
acknowledge my sins, my omissions and commis- 
sions from my youth up to the present day ; yet, 
O Lord ! be pleased in thy mercy to look down 
upon us and regard us, for we are brought very 
low : Thou dost not afflict willingly, nor grieve 
the children of men ; and be pleased, O Lord ! 
whichever way it is, soon to say, ' It is enough.' " 
Shortly after this period his pain subsided. 

A few hours before his close, in adverting to 
the prospect, he said, " The will of the Lord be 
done ;•" and after a pause, remarked, " 'Tis awful 
to contemplate it, but to me it is fraught with 
holy resignation." In addressing his elder chil- 
dren, he said, " Press toward the mark for the 
prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 
What a blessing it is when our sins go beforehand 
to judgment. The Lord is my strength and my 
stay — he also is become my salvation: what more 
do I want?" 

In a letter from a friend, containing some par- 
ticulars relative to the decease of this dear friend, 
he says, " His sun has forever set, but with a 
brightness which induces us to turn from selfish 
sorrow, to the glorious fruition of the faithful ser- 
vant welcomed by his Lord. 



108 EDWARD ALEXANDER. 

" During his illness he appeared not to have 
any clear view of his close, but waited, as he 
himself expressed, like the passive clay, only de- 
siring, if he were taken, to be favoured with clear 
evidence of acceptance. Thus his mind was pre- 
served without weight or burden on his own ac- 
count, until, in his Master's time, the desire of his 
heart was fully granted ; and about three hours 
before his death he thus expressed himself: " I 
cannot perceive a shadow in the way of my spirit 
being joined to saints and angels, and the spirits of 
just men made perfect, whose names are written 
in heaven." 

At his desire several Friends, then in the house, 
were assembled in his chamber, and in a weighty 
and impressive manner he said, " I proclaim it, 
not with the fear of a dying man, that it is not by 
works of righteousness which we have done, or 
by any works of our own, that we are saved. I 
protest before you all that I have no hope of sal- 
vation but in the mercy of God, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. We have not followed cunning- 
ly devised fables when we made known unto you 
the power and coming of the Lord Jesus, but the 
pure, living, and eternal substance. « Strive to 
enter in at the strait gate.' ' Call upon me in the 
day of trouble, and I will answer thee !' This is 
a trying time — this is a proving time — this is a 
sifting time." 

To his wife he said, " Leave thy fatherless 
children, and I will preserve them alive ; and let 
thy widows trust in me." 

As his close drew near, he was evidently en- 
gaged in mental supplication, concluding vocally 



DAVID FERRIS. 109 

with the words, " Thine is the kingdom, and the 
power, and the glory, forever and ever: Amen." 
The foregoing solemn communications, particu- 
larly the concluding words, were delivered in a 
remarkably strong, clear voice, and attended with 
much of the power of the Spirit ; at the conclu- 
sion he asked to be laid down, and, as if he had 
nothing more to do, scarcely moved afterwards ; 
but continued to breathe shorter and shorter, until 
about five o'clock in the evening of the sixth of 
Tenth month, when, without the slightest struggle, 
he passed away, and we doubt not his purified 
spirit entered into its everlasting rest. 



David Ferris was the son of Zachariah and 
Sarah Ferris, and was born in Stratford, in Con- 
necticut government, New England, the 10th of 
the Third month, 1707. 

He was a minister much esteemed in our reli- 
gious Society: and, from some very interesting 
memoranda which he left of his life and of his 
Christian experience, the following instructive ac- 
count is compiled. 

His parents were Presbyterians, and educated 
him in that community. In reference to his early 
life, he says, " My father, while I was very young, 
moved to a place called New Milford. It being a 
newly settled place, I had not the advantage of a 
school ; but, under the care of my mother, I soon 
learned to read in the Bible, and understood that 
there was a Supreme Being, who made all things, 
and preserved and upheld them in their order ; 
10 



110 DAVID FERRIS. 

and that, as the workmanship of his hand, I stood 
accountable to Him for every part of my conduct. 
About the eighth year of my age, I was informed 
that the Divine Being was self-existent, without 
beginning and without end ; and not being able to 
understand how that could be, I sometimes thought 
so intensely on the subject that I became much 
bewildered. At length it was shown me, that the 
proposition was too high for my comprehension, 
and I received something like a reproof for 
searching into things beyond my capacity. From 
that time I was fearful of prying into such deep 
mysteries. 

My mother, being a religious woman, and much 
concerned for the good of her offspring, both tem- 
porally and spiritually, w ? as frequent in giving 
them good advice and admonition ; desiring that 
we might shun the paths of error ; and teaching 
us, by her ow r n example, as w T ell as by precept, to 
walk in the ways of virtue, which lead to peace. 
This w 7 as a great help to us while young, and was 
not easily forgotten when we came to maturity. 
Death was a frequent subject of my thoughts ; 
and, in the twelfth year of my age, I was frequent- 
ly called by the Holy Spirit to forsake evil, and 
leave youthful vanities, which I then delighted in, 
and to be sober and circumspect in all my ways." 

By attention to the Divine call, and to the re- 
proofs of instruction, he was, it appears, in a re- 
markable degree preserved from evil. 

He thus describes his experience in these days 
of comparative childhood. — " My mind was hum- 
bled under a sense of my daily want of Divine 
help ; and as I abode under a religious concern, 



DAVID FERRIS. Ill 

attending to the reproofs of instruction, which are 
the way to life, an increase of light and life was 
communicated to me, so that I came to delight in 
virtue. As my desires and care for Divine things 
increased, the knowledge of them was unfolded. 
I could truly say, the Lord was my delight. And 
for some years, as I dwelt in his fear, his yoke 
was easy, his burden light, and all childish vani- 
ties were burdensome. 

While I kept near the spring of life, with my 
mind fixed on the true object, the world and the 
things thereof lost all their lustre. But, alas ! not 
keeping my eye single to the Light, I lost my 
Leader ; and then, by little and little, the world 
rose again with splendour to my view. Earthly 
delights and vanity got such hold of my affections, 
that I took great pleasure in airy and vain com- 
pany. This was an unspeakable loss to me, and 
I mention it that others may take warning by my 
harms. It seemed almost miraculous that I was 
ever restored from this lapsed state. My mother 
mourned over me, and often advised and urged 
my return, showing me the danger of such a 
course of vanity. Yet I was not wholly forsaken 
by the inward Monitor and former Guide. At 
times it reproved me, at other times called me, 
wooing and pleading with me to return. Some- 
times, in the midst of my vanity, I saw that I 
was in the way to death : and that it would land 
me in everlasting confusion if T did not forsake 
it. Sometimes my concern was so great, that I 
was obliged to leave my vain companions, and 
retire so full of trouble and distress, that I had no 
satisfaction until a considerable time afterward. 



112 DAVID FERRIS. 

During these seasons of affliction, I was ready 
to promise to forsake my vain course of life, and 
to covenant with the Lord that I would do so no 
more, provided he would be pleased to grant me 
his assistance. But my efforts, being too much in 
my own strength, proved unavailing. Vanity so 
prevailed that I took great delight in music, dancing, 
and other vain amusements. 

In the twentieth year of my age, I was visited 
with severe illness: so that I, and those about me, 
had very little hope of my recovery. Then death 
stared me in the face ; and a dreadful scene of 
woe, anguish, and misery opened to my view. It 
appeared clear to me that if I were then taken off 
the stage of action, I should be unavoidably lost ; 
and that evil spirits were waiting round me, to 
convey my soul to the mansions of misery and 
everlasting darkness ; so that my horror, anxiety, 
and distress were inexpressible. In the utmost 
anguish of mind, I cried to the Lord for help ; 
promising amendment, if more time and ability 
were afforded me ; and it pleased a kind Provi- 
dence to be propitious to me ; so that I was re- 
stored to health ; and in about a month, was able 
lo walk about. 

After my recovery, I remembered the distress 
I had been in, and the promise I had made, when 
under the dreadful apprehension of everlasting 
misery and destruction. I saw the necessity of a 
faithful performance of my vows. I was sensible 
that there was a work to be done ; and that if I 
did not now comply with my promise, I should 
have to pass through the same, or rather a worse 
scene of misery and distress. It appeared proba- 



DAVID FERRIS. 113 

ble that a more convenient opportunity for repent- 
ance than the present would not be afforded ; and 
I concluded that this was the time to turn from 
vanity ; forsake my evil ways ; and renounce all 
my sensual delights. But, when I had resolved 
to begin the necessary work of reformation, the 
adversary of all good tempted me to believe that 
it was too late to think of obtaining peace with 
my Maker •; for this plain reason, " that, as there 
was a day or time, in which men might be saved ; 
so, if they let that opportunity pass away unim- 
proved, it would be in vain to attempt it after- 
ward." He suggested, that I had had such a 
day of visitation, and had passed it by ; that I 
had been uncommonly favoured with help, and 
for a time did not accept of it ; that I had been 
made a partaker of the Holy Ghost ; that I had 
tasted of the good word of God, and the powers 
of the world to come, and had fallen from it ; so 
now it was impossible that I should again be re- 
newed unto repentance ; seeing I had crucified 
the Son of God afresh, and put him to open shame. 
This reasoning appeared so strong, and so conso- 
nant to the apostle's doctrine, that I gave up the 
point ; and concluded it was too late to attempt a 
return, with hope of acceptance. 

From that time, during the space of about two 
months, I never sought for mercy ; but remained 
in utter despair. 

My trouble continued and increased ; so that I 
had no satisfaction in life. On a certain day, in 
this season of despair and deep distress, I con- 
cluded to leave my native land and go into some 
foreign country, to spend the residue of my days ; 
10* 



114 DAVID FERRIS. 

where I purposed to remain unknown, and that 
none of my relations or acquaintance should know 
what was become of me. Being, in my own ap- 
prehension, a poor, lost, reprobate creature, I was 
not willing to remain at home, to be a disgrace 
to my relations and country people. This was a 
day of the deepest affliction and distress that I 
had known. Towards evening, as I followed the 
plough, my attention was arrested, as it were, by 
a still, small voice, saying: " The blood of Jesus 
Christ his Son cleanseth from all sin." But I 
put it by ; saying in my heart : " It is too late ; 
there has been a day wherein I might have been 
cleansed ; but, alas ! I have let it pass over my 
head forever." 

Some time after this, (perhaps half an hour.) 
while I was musing on what land I should flee to, 
the same words passed through my mind again, 
with more authority than before, and commanded 
my attention rather more closely than they had 
done; but I again put them by; concluding I 
had lost all right to apply them to myself. So I 
resumed the consideration of my flight to a for- 
eign land. In the mean time my sorrow and 
anxiety of mind increased, so that I was not well 
able to support it, or go on w 7 ith my business. 
But while I was still musing, the same words, 
unsought for and unexpectedly passed through 
my mind with greater power and authority than 
at any time before : " The blood of Jesus Christ 
his Son cleanseth us from all sin." At the sound 
of them my soul leaped for joy. I felt that a door 
of hope was opened, and said in my heart, " If all 
sin, why not mine ?" Then a living hope sprang in 



i 



DAVID FERRIS. 115 

my soul. I saw the arms of mercy open to re- 
ceive me, and the way cleared before me as a road 
through a thicket. 

I was now filled with joy unspeakable ; thanks- 
giving and living praise to my Redeemer arose in 
my heart for the experience of so great and mar- 
vellous a deliverance. That my feet should be 
plucked out of the mire, and set upon a rock ; 
that I, who had no hope just before, should now 
be favoured with a well-grounded assurance of 
pardon and acceptance, was a mercy never to be 
forgotten. 

From this time I sought for Divine assistance ; 
and, in infinite kindness, a hand of help was ex- 
tended for my restoration, and the healing of my 
backslidings. Then I was enabled to sing upon 
the banks of deliverance, and praise the name of 
Him who lives forever. The Holy Spirit, that 
blessed Teacher, whom I had formerly been fa- 
voured with, but had forsaken, was now restored, 
as a Leader and Teacher, to direct and instruct 
me in the way to peace and rest. 

From this time my mind, after such great fa- 
vour, was humbled and made subject to the cross 
of Christ, and heartily willing to take it up daily, 
and follow Him, my kind Leader, in the narrow 
way of self-denial. And as I was obedient, He 
led me to forsake my vain course of life, and all 
those youthful delights and sensual pleasures 
which were displeasing to my dear Lord and Mas- 
ter ; who in wonderful mercy had lifted me out of 
the dungeon, and heard my prayers in a time of 
deep affliction. He now became my Director in 
all things ; showing me clearly what my duties 



116 DAVID FERRIS. 

were, and enabling me to perform them in an 
acceptable manner. But if, at any time, I acted 
in my own will, I lost my strength, and found no 
acceptance or benefit by my performances ; by 
which I gradually learnt, that 1 could do nothing 
acceptably, without the immediate assistance of 
the Spirit of Christ the Redeemer. Thus I found 
a necessity to apply continually to my only and 
all-sufficient Helper, and humbly to wait for his 
assistance and direction : and as I was faithful, 
He led me into the path of life, which if continued 
in, will terminate in everlasting peace. 

Having gradually learned that nothing of a re- 
ligious nature could be effectually done, without 
the immediate assistance of the Holy Spirit, I 
may humbly acknowledge that I was wonderfully 
favoured with Divine instruction ; far beyond my 
expectation, and infinitely above my deserts. I 
was led, as it were by the hand, and helped over 
every difficulty that attended me. But the ad- 
versary of my soul tried every stratagem to draw 
me aside from the path of virtue. He strove, 
night and day, to deter me from walking in the 
narrow way ; representing the difficulties to be so 
great that I could never hold out to the end ; and 
that all my attempts would be in vain. He seem- 
ed to be continually present, whether I was 
awake or asleep, disquieting my mind as much as 
possible. But my prayer was incessant for Divine 
aid ; that a stronger than he might appear for my 
help, and dispossess him. And, in about a 
year after I had been raised from the pit of des- 
pair, as before related, I received a promise that 
" the God of peace would bruise Satan under my 



i 



DAVID FERRIS. 117 

feet shortly." Faith was given me to believe in 
this promise, and I hoped for a speedy deliver- 
ance. But he continued to afflict me with his 
assaults, with temptations, and evil suggestions, 
for some months afterward. Notwithstanding 
which I still believed the time would come, ac- 
cording to the promise, and I prayed for its fulfil- 
ment in the Lord's time. At length, a stronger 
than he did indeed come, and cast him out, and 
wholly dispossessed him ; and not only bruised 
him under foot, but removed him far from me. 

The power of the enemy to assault, or in any- 
wise to disquiet me, was now taken away ; nei- 
ther was he able to lay any temptation before me. 
Now was my soul daily filled with thanksgiving 
and living praise for this deliverance ; as well as 
for all the other manifold mercies and favours of 
God, from day to day bestowed upon me, " a 
worm and no man." To the honour of his great 
name, who hath done marvellous things for me, 
and to the praise of his grace, I may say, that the 
adversary of all good was not only thus prevented 
from troubling me, but the fountain of Divine life 
was opened, and the water thereof flowed so freely 
and plentifully into my soul, that I was absorbed 
in it, and so enamoured thereby, that all the riches, 
honours, and vain pleasures of this world, had no 
place in my affections. In this state T longed to 
be with Christ ; which, I was sensible, was better 
than to be here. I do not know that there was 
one moment, whilst I was awake, for the space of 
nearly two years, in which I could not sing living 
praises to Him who liveth forever and ever. No 
losses, crosses, or disappointments did, in any de- 



118 DAVID FERRIS. 

gree, disturb me ; at least not perceptibly, either 
to myself or others ; for my delight was in objects 
very different from any thing which this world 
can give or take away." 

David Ferris possessed a strong and sound un- 
derstanding, with considerable taste for literary 
pursuits. He had been w T ell instructed in the 
Latin tongue ; and wished to acquire a more ex- 
tensive knowledge, especially in the languages. 
In order to accomplish this object he entered as 
student in a college in New England. 

At this period of his life he thus writes, 

"At my entrance into college my principles 
generally corresponded with those held by the 
Presbyterians. But I now began to think it was 
time to examine for myself, and no longer trust 
in the judgment of my forefathers. I found it 
necessary to subject my principles and practices 
to a strict scrutiny, because I began to be doubt- 
ful of some of them. But I was convinced that, 
as a rational creature, simply considered, without 
a Divine Instructor, I was not competent to the 
undertaking. Being very desirous to know the 
Truth in all things, I made application to Him 
whom I believe to be the only Teacher of his 
people, and as I waited upon him for instruction, 
my understanding was gradually enlightened, so 
as to perceive many errors in my former creed, 
and to discover the Truth in opposition to the doc- 
trines of my education. 

That which stood most in my way, and appear- 
ed to be a grievous hardship to mankind, as well 
as a great dishonour to a just and righteous God, 
was their doctrine of unconditional election and 






DAVID FERRIS. 119 

reprobation ; which would, according to their ap- 
prehension of it, shut out the chief part of man- 
kind from all hope of mercy, as they believed they 
were the Lord's only people, and that but few of 
others were within the pale of election. Yet I 
believe there were some amongst them who had 
a more extensive charity. I was much concerned 
on this subject, and being earnestly desirous to 
discover the truth, it pleased the Lord to open 
my understanding, clearly to perceive the error of 
this doctrine ; and I was enabled to believe that 
Christ, who " gave himself a ransom for all," 
would " have all men to be saved, and come to 
the knowledge of the Truth." 

I had before this period heard of a people called 
Quakers, but was unacquainted with any of them. 
As I had never seen any of their writings, I knew 
not what doctrines they held, but ascribe all my 
knowledge in Divine things to the inward manifes- 
tation of grace and truth, the teaching of the Holy 
Spirit, It was Christ, the light of the world, the 
life of men, who opened to me the Scriptures, and 
gave me a discerning of their meaning ; and, as 
I was faithful and obedient to the pointings of 
Truth, I was favoured with further and clearer 
discoveries thereof. 

I continued at the college until near the time 
for taking my degrees ; and being convinced of 
the errors of my education relating to the doctrines 
we held, and the worship we performed, I appre- 
hended it was time to consider what was best for 
me to do ; and being favoured to see that a qua- 
lification or commission derived from man was 
not sufficient for the Gospel ministry, I concluded 



120 DAVID FERRIS. 

not to take their degrees, nor depend upon their 
authority. 

I still continued a member of the Presbyterian 
society ; attended their meetings, and partook of 
their bread and wine. But I was not free to sing 
with them, not having been, for some time before 
in a condition to sing ; besides, it did not appear 
to me an acceptable sacrifice, or any thing like 
Divine worship, for a mixed multitude to sing 
that of which they knew nothing by experience. 
My exercise of mind daily increased, for now the 
time was near at hand in which I must leave them. 
This was a day of trial ; for although at the com- 
mencement of my religious progress, I had for- 
saken all the youthful delights and vanities with 
which I had been diverted, and had been enabled 
to trample them all under my feet, expecting 
never again to encounter such difficulties, yet 
now I found that self was not sufficiently mortified 
in me. To be brought down from the pinnacle 
of honour, to be esteemed a fool, be trampled 
under foot by high and low, rich and poor, learn- 
ed and unlearned, was hard to bear. As I 
observed before, I had been much esteemed ; 
though, as I was sensible, more than I deserved. 
I knew the people had undue expectations of my 
future usefulness, and that if I left the college, as 
I thought it my duty to do, my credit would sink, 
and my honours be laid in the dust ; and then, 
instead of being caressed and exalted, I must be 
neglected and despised. 

But I had other difficulties to encounter. My 
father looked forward with hope that I should be 
an honour to him and his family. He had pro- 



DAVID FERRIS. 121 

mised to set me out in the world in the best man- 
ner his circumstances would admit. I knew that 
if I were obedient to my convictions of duty, he 
would regard it as a disgrace to my family and 
connexions, and would be more likely to turn me 
out of his house, than in any way to assist me. 

Here, if I complied with my sense of duty, I 
must " take up the cross," and turn out unprovi- 
ded for into the world ; for I had very little pro- 
perty of my own, none to expect from my father, 
and no salary to support me. 

I laboured under a lively sense of all these dif- 
ficulties. Poverty and disgrace stared me in the 
face ; and, as I had none but the Lord to whom 
I could make known my distress and discourage- 
ments, nor any other of whom to ask counsel, I 
cried to Him incessantly for wisdom, strength, 
and fortitude, that I might be favoured with a 
clear discovery of my duty, and enabled faithfully 
to obey Him in all things. 

It. is difficult to conceive, and not in my power 
to express, the anxiety of my mind in this proving 
season ; for every thing valuable seemed in dan- 
ger of being totally lost. Nevertheless, I cried 
unto the Lord for help ; and covenanted with Him, 
that if He would be pleased to direct me in the 
way which would be safe for me to pursue, mani- 
fest his will therein, and afford me assistance to 
perform my duties, I would resign all to his dis- 
posal, obey his will, no longer reason with flesh 
and blood, but trust to his providence for support 
and credit in the world, and for every thing else 
He might deem best and most convenient for me. 

As soon as I was satisfied on these points, I 
11 



122 DAVID FERRIS. 

reasoned not with flesh and blood, but immediately 
gave up to the heavenly vision. I then went to 
the chief ruler of the college, and obtained his 
permission to go home ; but I told no one my 
reasons for this procedure. 

After I had parted from my companions, I went 
on to New Milford, where my parents and rela- 
tions resided. About three weeks afterwards, I 
went to a Yearly Meeting of the people called 
Quakers, on Long Island, in order to discover 
whether they were a living people or not, for a 
living people I wished to find. I had thought 
for several years before that there ought to be 
such a people, a people who had life in them, and 
abounded in love to each other, as did the primi- 
tive Christians ; a people who knew they had 
passed from death unto life, by their love to the 
brethren. Here I gathered strength, and was 
more confirmed that I was right in leaving the 
college ; for I found a living, humble people, full 
of love and good works, such a one as I had never 
seen before. I rejoiced to find that which I had 
been seeking, and soon owned them to be of the 
Lord's people, and of the true church of Christ, 
according to his own description of it, where he 
says, " By this shall all men know that ye are 
my disciples, if ye love one another." 

At the meeting before mentioned, there were 
several eminent ministers from Europe, both male 
and female. I there heard women preach the 
Gospel, in the Divine authority of Truth, far ex- 
ceeding all the learned rabbies I had known. 
This was not so strange to me as it might have 
been to others, for I had before seen, by the im- 



DAVID FERRIS. 123 

mediate manifestation of grace and truth, that 
women, as well as men, might be clothed with 
gospel power ; and that daughters as well as sons, 
under the gospel dispensation, were to have the 
Spirit poured upon them that they might prophesy : 
and though I had never before heard a woman 
preach, yet I now rejoiced to see the prophecy 
fulfilled." 

David Ferris now felt that he must separate 
himself from the people amongst whom he had 
been educated, and he embraced the views which 
distinguish the Society of Friends. He met 
with many close trials of his faith and patience. 
For a time his father was much displeased at the 
change which was manifest in his conduct and 
deportment ; but, becoming convinced of his 
son's sincerity, he was at length reconciled to 
him. In commemoration of the help which was 
mercifully vouchsafed in this time of need, he 
writes thus : 

" I admired the boundless goodness, the infi- 
nite kindness, and tender mercy of a gracious 
God, in effecting my late deliverance ; especially 
when I considered how tempestuous were the 
seas, and how 7 the billows rolled over me : how 
the mountains of opposition raised their lofty 
heads to stop my passage ; and again, in a short 
time, how the winds and seas were hushed and 
still; and how the mountains became a perfect 
plain ! I truly found as great cause to sing upon 
the banks of deliverance, as Israel did of old, 
when they had passed through the sea on dry 
ground ; and had turned about and seen their 
enemies dead on the shore. I rejoiced in the 



124 DAVID FERXIS. 

Lord, and sang praises to Him, who had done 
marvellous things for me; who had made me 
acquainted with his blessed Truth ; and at length 
gave me ability to trample the world, and all its 
riches, honours, and pleasures, under my feet ; 
to submit to the cross of Christ ; and be willing 
to be accounted a fool of all men. For which 
favours I felt myself under great obligations to 
my gracious Benefactor." 

In the Sixth month, 1733, he removed to Phil- 
adelphia, where he joined in religious fellowship 
with Friends. In 1735, he married Mary, the 
daughter of Samuel and Sarah Massey ; and in 
1737 settled at Wilmington, in Newcastle county, 
where he lived during the remainder of his days. 

Whilst he resided in Philadelphia he was en- 
gaged in teaching the learned languages, and 
other branches of a liberal education ; but on 
removing to Wilmington he embarked in trade, 
in the pursuit of which he evinced much watch- 
fulness, and Christian self-denial. It pleased 
Divine Providence to bless his temporal concerns, 
and, as he gratefully acknowledged, to grant him 
plenty and peace. 

About a year after his admission into member- 
ship with Friends, he believed it to be his duty to 
speak as a minister in our religious meetings ; 
and, as he expresses it, 4t to excite the careless to 
a consideration of their latter end." But it ap. 
pears that, although he had been enabled, by 
closely adhering to the power of Divine grace, 
to renounce the pleasures, the profits, and the 
friendships of this world ; and was made willing 
to become as a fool and a bv-word amongst his 



DAVID FERRIS. 125 

acquaintance, yet, at this requisition of his Lord, 
his faith failed. He suffered a slavish fear, and 
the reasonings of fallen nature to prevail ; and 
notwithstanding that the Divine will was, with 
remarkable clearness, and in a variety of ways, 
manifested to his mind, he continued to resist 
the impression. His disobedience caused him, 
he says, to be " full of sorrow, trouble, and pain 
of heart ;" and this increased until he was on the 
very brink of despair. Respecting his spiritual 
condition at this time, he writes, " I was so un- 
grateful to my Heavenly Benefactor, that it is a 
wonder I was ever restored. And I have no 
doubt that thousands, through negligence, even 
after they have been called out of the world, and 
have run well for a season, have been finally lost. 
This I have written for a warning to others." 

The compassion of the Almighty was long 
extended to his soul, and the Holy Spirit con- 
tinued to strive with him. " I then clearly saw," 
says he, " that if I were forsaken and left to 
myself, the consequences would be death and 
darkness forever ! At the sight of the horrible 
pit that yawned for me, if I continued in disobe- 
dience, my body trembled like an aspen leaf, and 
my soul was humbled within me ! Then I said, 
* Lord ! here ami; make of me what Thou 
wouldst have me to be ; leave me not in displea- 
sure, I beseech Thee.' 

After a time of great anxiety and distress of 

mind, the Lord was graciously pleased to look 

upon me with compassion, and again offered to 

make me a pillar in his house ; and I felt a renewed 

11* 



126 DAVID FERRIS. 

concern to appear in public for his Name, and in 
the cause of Truth." 

He first spoke as a minister in 1755, in the 
forty-eighth year of his age. " At that time," 
he remarks, " I was made a real Quaker, and was 
not ashamed to be seen trembling before the Lord. 
Under a sense of so great and merciful a deliver- 
ance, I saw and felt ample cause for it. It was 
with me as with Israel of old, when the Lord 
caused their captivity to return ; saying He would 
build them as at the first ; and they should fear 
and tremble for all his goodness, and for all the 
prosperity He would procure for them. My soul 
rejoiced in the Lord, and I magnified his excellent 
name, who is worthy of all honour, glory, and re- 
nown, forever. 

It appeared to me wonderful, that, I should thus 
be lifted out of this horrible pit of my own dig- 
ging ; and I was so absorbed in the love and mercy 
of my heavenly Benefactor, that I was filled with 
thankfulness and praise, attended with a desire 
that, in future, I might diligently watch and wait 
for the pointing of his holy finger, to every service 
He might be pleased to allot me ; that henceforth 
no opportunity might be lost of manifesting my 
gratitude by obedience to his will." 

During the remainder of his life he sought to 
approve himself a diligent and faithful servant. 
He performed several extensive journeys in the 
service of the gospel ; and by certificates produced 
on his return home, it appeared that his conduct, 
conversation, and labours abroad, were exemplary 
and edifying, tending to the advancement of truth 
and righteousness. He was very serviceable in 



DAVID FEURIS. 127 

meetings for discipline, which, with other meetings, 
he diligently attended ; not suffering his outward 
affairs to obstruct the fulfilment of this duty to 
God. 

He was hospitable and liberal in entertaining 
Friends ; and remarkably charitable to the poor ; 
freely administering to their necessities. 

Bodily weakness attended him during the last 
three years of his life, which he bore with much 
patience. A few months before his decease, he 
made the following very instructive memorandum. 

" 1779. I am now drawing towards the conclu- 
sion of life ; being, this day, seventy-two years 
of age. For the encouragement of others, I will 
now briefly recapitulate some of the kind dealings 
of Providence towards me. The God of my life, 
my Maker and Preserver has been propitious 
to me, from youth to old age. The fear of the 
Lord, which preserves from evil, was placed in 
my heart when I was but eight years old ; so that 
I was afraid to offend Him. In the twelfth year 
of my age, I was mercifully visited, and called out 
of the vanities of the world ; at which time I re- 
ceived a promise, that if I sought first the king- 
dom of God, all other necessary things should be 
added ; and I have found the promise true, for I 
never have wanted any of the good things of this 
life. I have been blessed with sufficient for my- 
self and friends, and something to spare to the 
poor ; and I esteem it a great favour, that I 
received a disposition to communicate to those 
who stood in need. 

If all men would " seek first the kingdom of 
heaven, and the righteousness thereof," and care- 



128 DAVID FERRIS. 

fully attend to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, 
with which all might be favoured, I believe they 
would be blessed with a sufficient portion of 
wealth. O that mankind were wise ! and would 
early seek that treasure which cometh from above ; 
and which neither moth nor rust can corrupt, nor 
thieves break through and steal ! And may we 
all beware of loving the world ; and living at ease, 
in the enjoyment of its good and pleasant things ! 
Even those who have been favoured with remark- 
able Divine visitations, and have been put in 
possession of " the upper and the nether springs," 
have great need to be on their guard. When we 
enjoy health and plenty, and all things seem plea- 
sant around us, we are prone to forget the Lord, 
and neglect those " things that belong to our 
peace." 

Near the close of his days, he was much afflicted 
with sickness, which he bore with patience ; often 
expressing his prospect of his approaching end, 
and his resignation therein ; saying, " All is well." 
Several friends being present, after a time of 
silence, he in a lively manner repeated the ex- 
pressions of the asostle, " To me, to live is Christ, 
and to die is gain." 

He departed this life, the 5th of the Twelfth 
month, 1779, aged upwards of seventy-two, a 
minister about twenty-four years. 



John Pemberton was the son of Israel and 
Rachel Pemberton of Philadelphia, and born in 
the year 1727. Being mercifully favoured, in 



JOHN PEMBERTON. 129 

early life, with the visitations of a Saviour's love, 
and his mind being embued with a sense of the 
Divine fear, he was much preserved from the 
delusive vanities and evils, into which youth, 
through the force of temptation, and overlooking, 
or resisting the monitions of the Holy Spirit, are 
often seduced. When he attained his twenty-third 
year, he came to England in the same vessel with 
John Churchman and William Brown, who were 
drawn in gospel love to visit their friends in Great 
Britain and Ireland, and the former in some parts 
of the continent of Europe. The voyage ap- 
pears to have been undertaken by John Pember- 
ton, partly on business, and partly from the hope 
of becoming invigorated in his health, which had 
been for some time delicate. But soon after his 
arrival in London, feeling his mind religiously 
inclined to accompany John Churchman to a few 
meetings in the country, he was further engaged 
to continue with our said friend in his travels 
through most parts of England, Ireland and Hol- 
land. 

In the early part of this journey, at a meeting 
held at Penzance in Cornwall, he said a few 
words in public ministry ; and, as John Church- 
man relates, " tender and broken, accompanied 
with a good degree of the savour of Truth." 
Thus, though he left home on temporal concerns, 
having received a Divine call, he may be said to 
have done, in measure, as the disciples of our 
blessed Lord, who left their nets and followed 
him. Having travelled together about three 
years, they parted in much love and unity. 



130 JOHN TEMBERTON. 

His ministry was sound, instructive and edify- 
ing ; being concerned lo inculcate the necessity 
of great circumspection of life and purity of con- 
versation, that thereby our religious profession 
might be adorned, through humility and a rever- 
ent sense of the Lord's omnipotent care over us. 
He was very useful in our meetings for discipline, 
being zealously concerned for the support of our 
Christian testimony, and the good order of the 
church : manifesting a tender regard to such as 
had missed their way and become the objects of 
care on that account. 

He was careful in the remembrance of the 
apostle's exhortation, to visit the fatherless and 
widows in their afflictions, and to keep ourselves 
unspotted from the world ; so that it may be 
truly said of him, he was ready to do good and 
to communicate, and to honour the Lord with his 
substance, and with the first-fruits of his increase. 

Feeling an engagement of gospel love to visit 
the churches in Europe, and having the concur- 
rence of his brethren, he embarked for London, 
at New York, in company with William Matthews, 
in the Twelfth month, 1782. The vessel being 
taken on her passage, in the English Channel, 
near the Isle of Wight, by a privateer from 
France, they were carried to Dunkirk ; though 
soon after released, and arrived in England in the 
Second month following. 

He continued in England, visiting the meeting^i 
of Friends in divers parts, until the ensuing 
Yearly Meeting held in London, which he at- 
tended ; from whence he proceeded to the northern 



JOHN PEMBERTON. 131 

counties, and embarked at Liverpool for Dublin, 
where he arrived in the Seventh month. 

In the Fifth month, 1785, he returned to Eng- 
land, and attended the Yearly Meeting held in 
London in the Sixth month following; he then 
proceeded to the western parts of that nation, and 
thence to Scotland, visiting the Orkney Islands 
and divers other parts. He spent about two 
years in that country, where his religious labours 
appear to have been very acceptable, especially 
to the poor people inhabiting the Orkneys. 

After his return from thence, he remained in 
England, visiting the meetings in London and 
divers other places, till the Seventh month, 1789, 
when he embarked on his return to Philadelphia. 

After continuing mostly with his family seve- 
ral succeeding years, sometimes visiting meet- 
ings in the neighbourhood, and those more re- 
mote in the adjacent country, a concern, with 
which his mind had been impressed previous to 
his return from Europe, that the service required 
of him in the gospel of Christ, in those parts of 
the world, had not been fully accomplished, he 
informed his brethren of it, and obtained their 
concurrence to return thither, and he embarked 
in a ship bound for Amsterdam in the Fifth month, 
1794, and arrived there in the Seventh month fol- 
lowing. Previous to his leaving his native land, his 
mind being deeply impressed with reflections on the 
•'uncertainty of life, and affected with a tendering 
sense of the Divine goodness and mercy extended 
for his preservation, he left some observations in 
writing, from which the following is extracted : — 

" When I view my steps in life, and reflect 



132 JOHN PEMBERTON. 

how greatly deficient I have been, I am hum- 
bled, and have cause to admire the great com- 
passion and long-suffering kindness of a gracious 
God, and with abasement acknowledge it will 
be of his mercy, if I am saved. If I have been 
helped at times to be found faithful, it has been, 
and is through the efficacy of Grace, and there- 
fore no room to boast. My failure in duty and 
watchfulness has been great : through the religi- 
ous care of pious parents when young, and an 
early sense of the Divine fear, I was and have 
been preserved from the gross evils of the world 
to this day, which is a great mercy and favour. 
But I have often passed under many hidden con- 
flicts for disobedience and failure in duty, and have 
at times been ready to despair ; yet I have had to 
acknowledge the Lord is righteous, whatever might 
be my portion; and after days of sorrow, and 
nights of deep exercise, he has been pleased to re- 
new light and favour ; under a sense of which, I 
desire to be found more attentive, diligent, and 
faithful, the residue of my days, esteeming the 
light of the Lord's countenance, and the evidence 
of his peace, beyond all terrestrial enjoyments." 

He remained at Amsterdam a few weeks ; in 
which he appears to have been engaged in reli- 
gious labour amongst the inhabitants of that city, 
to whom he addressed some " Tender Caution 
and Advice," which was printed in Low Dutch, and 
distributed amongst them. 

Finding his mind drawn to visit the few Friends 
settled at Pyrmont in Germany, he proceeded on 
the journey, and got to Hertford in Westphalia 
the 27th of the Eighth month. The next day, 



JOHN PEMBERTON. 133 

walking about five miles to see some religious 
people, and being caught in the rain, he took a 
heavy cold ; the effect of which he never fully 
recovered. After being some time confined there, 
he was enabled to proceed by Ufelen, Biel field, 
Lemgo, Barrenstrop, &c, to Pyrmont, where he 
arrived the 12th of Ninth month, having had 
meetings and acceptable service at all the be- 
fore-mentioned places, and many others on his 
way from Amsterdam, particularly at Bielfield, 
where he had a large public meeting, and many 
select opportunities, and also visited numbers of 
the principal inhabitants, being generally well 
received, and his religious labours appearing to 
be acceptable. A memorandum made 6th of the 
Ninth month, when at Bielfield, says, " The chill 
and fever renewed ; I was very unwell all the 
afternoon, and it continued till midnight with a 
great thirst : yet, through the adorable mercy of 
a gracious God, I felt more of the incomes of his 
love and life-giving presence, than I have exper- 
ienced a long time ; that I was enabled to make 
melody in my heart, and recount his fatherly care 
and tender dealings with me,, from the days of my 
infancy ; and I had to bless his Holy Name. 
And this comfortable visitation of his love and 
mercy continued for some hours, that I was ready 
to conclude I might soon be released from the 
trials and afflictions of this life." 

He was often led, in a manner unusual in those 
parts, to go into unknown houses, gather the 
family about him, and, after an awful pause, to 
distribute wholesome doctrine, counsel, and ad- 
vice among them. In this manner, to break the 
12 



134 JOHN PEMBERTON. 

bread from house to house, seemed sometimes at 
first to surprise the people : but when, after a 
short time, their minds were overshadowed by 
that invisible power which accompanied his words, 
and the witness for Truth in them was reached, 
tears were often beheld to flow ; and at parting, 
the unknown were observed to take their leave of 
him as if well acquainted, in a tender and affect- 
ing manner. 

His arrival at Pyrmont was on the 12th of the 
Ninth month, and his stay there about four months; 
during which time he was mostly very poorly in 
health, but nevertheless almost daily occupied 
in the service of Truth ; for as his bodily health 
permitted him, he not only punctually attended 
meetings, and visited Friends in their families, 
but had also many private opportunities, and sev- 
eral public meetings with the people of the town, 
which were very numerous, and wherein he was 
enabled to preach the free gospel of Christ with 
Divine authority ; so that not only sometimes the 
whole assembly seemed to be clothed with an 
awful reverence, but also the hearts of many were 
moved, and the witness for God in them reached, 
by his living testimony. At such opportunities 
he seemed, to the admiration of those who knew 
his weak constitution, not to feel his bodily weak- 
ness at all, usually lifting up his voice as a strong 
youth, to testify of the great love of God towards 
mankind. 

It was his principal concern to turn people 
from darkness to light, and from the power of 
Satan to God; endeavouring to show that God 
has given a measure of his Spirit, and light or 



JOHN PEMBERTON. 135 

grace to all men, as a talent, which he has re- 
quired them to improve. 

His ministry was in plainness of speech, and 
attended with Divine authority; for his words, 
whether they contained exhortation, comfort, or 
reproof, reached the inward states of those whom 
they concerned ; and he has often spoken, both 
in meetings and at other opportunities, so exactly 
to the state of individuals, that there was no doubt 
left, that he was led by the unerring Spirit of 
Truth ; and more especially, in his particular ser- 
vice among his fellow-professors of the same prin- 
ciples of that unchangeable Truth, for the promo- 
tion of which he spent his life. 

The solemn reverence of his watchful spirit 
appeared so manifest in his countenance, that 
others who beheld him were thereby invited to 
stillness ; and such as had a desire to hear words, 
were taught by his example to turn their minds 
to the grace of God ; showing that it is infinitely 
better to keep silent before the Lord, than to utter 
words that are not accompanied with the life- 
giving and baptising power of the Spirit; without 
which they cannot be truly profitable. 

After his return to Pyrmont he had repeated 
attacks of an inflammatory fever; and on the 
23d of the Eleventh month, in the evening, he 
was seized so suddenly with a violent chill, that he 
was obliged to leave the company of some friends, 
who were come to see him, and go to bed. Next 
morning the physician came to see him, and 
at parting, wishing that he might get better, he 
replied, " my hope is in the Lord ;" and he 
continued in a patient, resigned state of mind ; 



136 JOHN PE.UBERTON. 

although to appearance, in great pain of body. 
His mind seemed to be totally free from temporal 
concerns, and only occupied with objects of ever- 
lasting importance: and particularly, he seemed 
much concerned for the welfare of the little So- 
ciety of Friends in that place, even to his very 
last moments. 

His disorder having greatly increased, he suf- 
fered exceedingly ; but kept remarkably patient 
and resigned ; and being a little relieved from the 
great oppression and difficulty of breathing which 
he had laboured under, he said — " It is a great 
favour to know that my Redeemer lives, and be- 
cause he lives, I live also." This he expressed 
about three o'clock in the morning of the 31st, 
being the day of his decease ; and a little after, he 
said to his companion and the friend that assisted 
him, " You are very kind, and I have been care- 
fully nursed ; I wish you may grow and increase 
in every thing that is good, and become a spiritual 
and holy house unto God." 

A while after, a friend said to him, that it was 
pleasing and encouraging to see him so much re- 
signed ; to which he replied nearly as follows : — 
" Ah ! we may see miracles have not. ceased ; 
great and marvellous are his works ; he is mighty 
to save and able to deliver to the very uttermost, 
all those that trust in him ; his ways are ways of 
wonder, and past finding out." Seeming to be 
much exercised in his mind about the professors 
of Truth at Pyrmont, he said, " Some are now 
very full of themselves, and are persecuting the 
Lord's church ; but it is a wrong spirit. There 
is a spirit that is doing the church much harm ; 



JOHN PEMBERTON. 137 

but I am not of that spirit, and it is best to avoid 
that spirit which sets up for itself. My heart is 
heavy on account of these things." A while after 
this, he said, " The Spirit searches all things, yea, 
the deep things of God." And then, a little after, 
he expressed himself nearly as follows : — " The 
fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, which opens 
the mysteries of God's kingdom ; but the wisdom 
of this world is foolishness with God." About 12 
o'clock he said, in a triumphant manner, " I am 
departing for heaven, and from you all, to the 
kingdom of God and of Christ." After this he 
said, " You can prove these things, whether they 
are agreeable to the Scriptures of God and of 
Christ, yea or nay." And then he expressed in 
a weighty manner as follows: — " It is not circum- 
cision nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. — 
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word 
of God, which lives and abides forever." And a 
little after, " They who are justified, are justified 
by the faith of Jesus Christ." And afterwards he 
earnestly said, " Woe unto the world because of 
offences." 

His mind seemed to be overcome with Divine 
love, and his words were of God, and of Christ 
and his kingdom : and the last that could be dis- 
tinctly understood, which he uttered with a melo- 
dious voice, were these : " I can sing the songs of 
Zion and of Israel ;" which is a demonstrative 
proof that he had not followed cunningly devised 
fables; but the living substance of Truth and true 
religion. 



12* 



138 ROBERT MOLINE. 



The preceding pages contain notices of many 
who, through submission to the operation of Di- 
vine grace, were induced to prefer, above all other 
things, the " Pearl of great price :" even that sal- 
vation which is freely offered to fallen man, through 
Him " who gave himself a ransom for all." Those 
who have been thus concerned to " seek first the 
kingdom of God and His righteousness," have 
found it to be a treasure of infinite value, supply- 
ing all their need, proving as "an anchor to the 
soul," when the waves of affliction have threat- 
ened to overwhelm, and as a sovereign balm for 
every wound. How forlorn, on the contrary, is 
the condition of those who have neglected to seek 
this one thing needful! They are poor, even in 
the midst of riches ; destitute of a pilot, whilst 
tossed by the varied tempests and dangers, to 
which all are exposed during the voyage of life; 
and unable to look forward, with humble confi- 
dence, towards that better country, which is seen, 
by the eye of faith, to be the unspeakably glorious 
consummation of the Christian's hope. 

May all who peruse these pages, be incited to 
diligence in the pursuit of heavenly treasure; not 
deferring this all-important work until brought to 
the verge of an awful eternity. — For although 
" God, who is rich in mercy," and " not willing 
that any should perish," may be graciously pleased 
to extend the visitations of His love, even to a 
dying hour, yet how many are suddenly, and as in 
a moment, summoned to appear before the Judge 
of quick and dead, or are deprived, by disease, of 
consciousness, and the capability of reflection ! 






ROBERT MOLINE. 139 

** Procrastination is the thief of time ; 
Year after year it steals, till all are fled, 
And to the mercies of a moment, leaves 
The vast concerns of an eternal scene." 

In the following short Memoir is presented to 
the reader a simple statement of the strong feel- 
ings of a mind, awakened to a sense of his unre- 
generate state, in the awful prospect of eternity. 
May the self-condemnation and anguish of soul, 
which this humble penitent had to pass through, 
from neglect of the most important business of 
life, quicken others in the pursuit of durable riches 
and righteousness. 

Robert Moline was early in life introduced 
into an extensive business in London, and his 
character was estimated for uprightness and in- 
tegrity in the concerns of trade. For the last ten 
years he had resided near Lewisham, where he 
manifested much kindness to the poor, by his acts 
of charity and liberality, in relieving their wants ; 
his sympathies were also frequently awakened for 
those under circumstances of difficulty or distress; 
and in numerous instances he promptly stood for- 
ward to render efficient aid ; but he was not osten- 
tatious in giving, as many acts of his generosity 
were unknown to his nearest relations till after 
his decease. Whilst liberal in the appropriation 
of the pecuniary means committed to his trust, 
his best friends were apprehensive that the ener- 
gies of his mind were too much and too exclu- 
sively directed to the prosecution of his worldly 
concerns, to admit of his giving that attention to 
the things of eternity which make for true peace 



140 ROBERT MOLINE. 

in the present life, and lead through a living faith 
in Christ to everlasting happiness in the world to 
come. Of this he became sensible when laid upon 
a bed of sickness, with the awful prospect of eter- 
nity in view. 

He was taken unwell on the 7th of the Fourth 
month, 1836; but his illness did not assume a 
serious character until about a week before his 
decease, when he inquired of a near relative who 
was watching by him, if he was considered in dan- 
ger ? On her cautiously intimating that he was, 
he most feelingly made this solemn, this awaken- 
ing reply : " I am not prepared for death in any 
way!" and in deep humiliation acknowledged his 
many deficiencies — that he had lived to the world, 
in a state of indifference to the all-important busi- 
ness of life ; and could not now expect to be saved ! 
In this disconsolate state he was exhorted to pray, 
but felt that he could not, and in the bitterness of 
his soul lamented that he had resisted religion ; 
adding, " that makes me so wretched now, for I 
cannot hope to be saved !" Being intreated not to 
think so, but to believe that God is full of mercy, 
and will forgive us all our sins, if we pray unto Him 
in earnest, for pardoninggrace through Christ Jesus, 
" Ah, it is impossible," he replied ; " I have been 
too self-willed and negligent to ask forgiveness." 

At this time a friend whom he much esteemed, 
and had desired to see, came to him, to whom whh 
great earnestness, he said, " Ah, you find me in a 
sad state ! I have been a follower of the world, — 
a follower of the world, and nothing else. — It is 
true I attended meetings once in the week, but it 
was only because I considered it a good, moral 



ROBERT MOLINE. 141 

practice, and a proper example to others: and now 
what can I do ?" His friend entreated him to con- 
sider his present convictions as a token that he 
was not forsaken, because the Holy Spirit was 
still striving with him ; and encouraged him in 
faith and prayer to cast himself at the feet of 
Jesus, reminding him, among other things, of those 
gracious words : " He that cometh to me I will in 
no wise cast out." " Yes," he replied, u but my 
trouble is, that I cannot look with hope to God ; I 
have been a thoughtless, careless liver, disregard- 
ing every call that I have had, and breaking every 
good resolution I have made when invited to think 
on religion ; — I feel there is no hope for me." 
Much more he expressed indicative of self-con- 
demnation, adding, " I have been a worshipper of 
Mammon ;" but it is observable, that he made not 
the least allusion to any thing he had done, as a 
plea in his favour, though, as has been remarked, 
he had so liberally bestowed of his substance to 
relieve the wants of the poor and necessitous ; his 
mind appearing wholly absorbed in reflecting on 
his sins of omission and neglect. 

His friend felt deeply for his afflicted and de- 
sponding condition, desiring that he might be ena- 
bled to administer to the relief of his troubled 
spirit, and brought to his view several passages of 
Holy Scripture expressive of the boundless mercy 
of God in Christ Jesus, particularly that which 
described the case of the publican, in the Gospel, 
" who would not lift up so much as his eyes unto 
heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God 
be merciful to me, a sinner." To this his attention 
was directed, as affording much encouragement to 



142 ROBERT MOLIXE. 

those who come in deep and reverent humility to 
the Saviour. After a short pause in silence his 
friend offered up a prayer on his behalf, in which 
he united in deep and fervent breathing. In the 
course of this interview he adverted with much 
interest to his beloved children, and spoke of their 
education, especially in reference to some parts of 
it, which he now considered exceptionable, and 
particularly desired they might be discontinued. 
Being in a weak, exhausted state, he was then 
left with his kind attendant, and after a time of 
silence, he said, "Oh, I cannot expect forgiveness ! 
It is so grovelling, so cowardly, to neglect our God 
until worldly pleasures fail; and then to go to Him 
with fear and trembling. Oh ! if I could but live 
to prove my repentance sincere, I might hope for 
pardon." She replied, " True love to God is the 
main spring of earthly enjoyments ; and there is, 
I believe, no real happiness when the heart is not 
devoted to God." " I am well assured of that," 
was his answer ; " for I was ever restless, and I 
now believe that the good are always the most 
happy. I wonder how I could be so weak as to 
give up so much of my time and thoughts to the 
getting of money ! Business is a gulf (when follow- 
ed to excess,) that swallows up every idea but the 
desire for riches." To this a hope was expressed by 
one present, that if permitted to recover, he would 
make it of less importance; he replied, " I hope I 
shall, — pray for me." He spoke with great emo- 
tion, of the illness of his beloved wife,* saying, "Ah ! 

* His wife, Elizabeth Moline, died after a very short 
illness, whilst accompanying her husband on a journey in 
Ireland, in the year 1831. 






ROBERT MOLINE. 143 

how I remember my dear Elizabeth now ! she 
frequently desired our prayers ; and, though she 
was in such distress, I felt unable to help her. 
No ! I was a stumbling block in her way." His 
relation was much afflicted with these expressions, 
but endeavoured to encourage him to feel after 
the presence of his God and Saviour as a source 
of comfort, not of dread to his mind. 

Late at night the medical attendants arrived, 
bringing with them another physician, who also 
took an unfavourable view of his case. Early 
the following morning a considerable change was 
perceived, and the physician, who had retired to 
rest, being called, confirmed these apprehensions : 
indeed, the symptoms were such, as to induce the 
belief that dissolution was fast approaching. He 
lay for some time without the power of speech, 
and as though unconscious of any outward object. 
When he again aroused, as if from the slumber of 
death, his first words were, " All is peace ! All is 
love ! I have no trouble ! Let me depart, pro- 
claiming how good the Lord has been to me a 
sinner, in giving me such an assurance of pardon- 
ing mercy !" After these comforting expressions, 
his uncle, who was then present, proposed going 
to London to fetch his mother and aunt to see him, 
who had arrived there the preceding evening ; 
he heard, and said, " Ah ! do ; it will be a com- 
fort to them to see me so happy. It has been 
a great cause of anxiety to my dear mother that I 
did not think more on religion ; but I have ever 
been striving against conviction." He then de- 
sired to be kept quiet until the arrival of his wi- 



144 ROBERT MOLINE. 

dowed parent — during this interval he heard a 
portion of Scripture ; and appeared engaged in 
prayer, in much serenity of mind. 

It was an affecting sight to those who witnessed 
the arrival of his honoured parent, bowed under 
the weight of age, infirmity, and sorrow ; to have, 
as it proved, the last interview with her only re- 
maining child ; but she was comforted by the 
consoling evidence of his having, through the rich 
mercy of God in Christ Jesus, experienced that 
change of heart which can alone prepare for a 
blissful immortality. 

On seeing his dear mother and aunt, he expres- 
sed the great satisfaction it gave him. He soon 
began with much calmness to speak of the state of 
his mind, saying, that all was sweetness, love, and 
mercy ! Mercy extended to one so unworthy was 
wonderful ! He feelingly lamented his past life, 
that he should have lived nearly fifty years to so 
little purpose ; but believed that his mother's 
prayers for him had been answered — spoke in 
strong terms of his sinful state ; yet added, that he 
was enabled to rely on the infinite compassion of 
his adorable Redeemer, in receiving all who came 
unto God by Him. After this he appeared much 
exhausted : and when, from a return of fever, a 
slight delirium ensued, it was evident that his 
mind continued to be sweetly imbued with a sense 
of the boundless love and mercy of his Heavenly 
Father ! — repeating, that he longed to proclaim it 
to all the world, if he were able ; often expressing 
the love he felt for those around him ; and to his 
fellow-creatures everywhere. When sufficiently 
revived to see his dear children, he took an affec- 






JOHN PIM. 145 

tionate leave of them, with much composure, im- 
parting suitable advice ; and particularly mention- 
ed that when reading the Holy Scriptures, they 
should give attention to the subject, in order to 
profit by it ; saying, " I have deeply to regret 
having been a careless hearer and reader." He 
earnestly desired them to remember their Creator, 
and pray constantly to Him. 

From this period he appeared to be gradually 
sinking, gently passing away with a most com- 
posed and sweet countenance, until he quietly 
ceased to breathe, on the 22d of Fourth month, 
1836. 



John Pim, son of Samuel and Margaret Pirn, 
of Waterford, in Ireland, was a young man of an 
amiable disposition. He was early deprived by 
death of his beloved father, and after serving his 
apprenticeship in Cork with fidelity, he returned 
to Waterford, and resided with his mother and 
sisters, to whom he was an affectionate son and 
brother. He inherited considerable property, 
and did not engage in any business. His leisure 
presented a temptation to indulge in some amuse- 
ments which were adverse to the increase of true 
religion in his heart. Pie took particular delight 
in hunting, an employment highly gratifying to 
many a high-spirited youth, but very far from 
promotive of that meekness and tenderness of 
spirit, and that watchfulness and circumspection, 
which are incumbent on all who profess to be the 
followers of Christ ; and which so highly become 
us, as dependent creatures, liable to be, as in 
13 



146 john rra. 

the twinkling of an eye, summoned before the 
tribunal of infinite justice. In the midst of pros- 
perity and enjoyment, this dear young man was, 
in the 25th year of his age, suddenly arrested by 
mortal disease. He was taken ill on the 13th of the 
Seventh month, 1811. During the four following 
days of his continuance in time, his physicians 
employed every means which appeared likely to 
relieve him, but in vain. For a short time some fa- 
vourable effect appeared to be produced, but symp- 
toms of extreme danger quickly returned, and his 
situation was pronounced to be beyond the reach 
of human aid. On being apprised of this, his 
agitation and anxiety indicated a strong sense of 
the awful prospect that opened before him. To 
one of his sisters he said, " My dear sister, the 
sentence is passed ! ' Tis an awful thing to die ! Dost 
thou think I can make my peace with God f And 
before all his sisters he earnestly repeated the in- 
quiry, " Can I make my peace ?" desiring them to 
pray for him. He exclaimed, " I am in such pain, 
I am afraid I cannot pray for myself as I ought ! 
When I might have prayed I did not do it as often 
as I should." He repeatedly bade his mother and 
sisters farewell, saying, " Farewell, once more, 
whilst I am able to speak, for by and by I shall 
not be able." He said, " What a blessing health is, 
and how many thousands there are who trifle with 
it ! If I had but a short time longer, I would de- 
vote it to the service of the Lord. I am a sinner, 
a miserable sinner ! though I have not committed 
any of what the world calls gross sins, yet I have 
neglected serving the Almighty as I should have 
done. He is a most gracious God, worthy to be 



JOHN PIM. 147 

served. It is better to be a doorkeeper in the 
house of the Lord, than to enjoy all the gratifica- 
tions of this world." He then prayed earnestly, 
"Oh Lord! be pleased, if consistent with thy 
will, to make me the very lowest doorkeeper 
in thy house." And then, as though sensible 
of some degree of access to Him who heareth 
prayer, he said, " Oh, I have a most merciful 
Saviour to deal with me !" To a friend whom he 
much and justly esteemed, he said, " I might have 
taken thy warning : thou now seest the state I am 
in. What shall I do? How long dost thou think 
I can continue ?" On being told the time was re- 
duced to hours, he seemed awfully affected ; and 
exclaimed, " I have so much to do, and time is 
so short/" 

On being asked what he had to do, he replied, 
" I have my peace to make, and to settle my out- 
ward affairs, but that seems impossible to be done 
now." On being told that much could be done 
in a little time, if he could be composed, he said, 
" Dost thou think so?" and then he gave directions 
for that purpose. After he was relieved from 
this last worldly care he appeared more tranquil, 
and endured his bodily sufferings with patient sub- 
mission. To a friend who stood by his bed-side, 
he expressed, with much feeling, his sense of the 
awfulness of his situation. On being reminded 
that the Lord is merciful, he exclaimed, u O, mercy, 
mercy !" and sometimes, as if enabled to lay hold 
of this mercy, in a sense of its extension towards 
himself, he added, " For thy mercy endureth for- 
ever :" yet thinking himself unworthy of it, on 
account of his own forgetful ness. To the same 



148 JOHN PIM. 

friend he very sweetly observed, " Ah ! thou often 
advised me : if I had but minded it. Do pray 
for me — wilt thou not pray for me ? I am a great 
sinner — shall J obtain salvation ?" He acknow- 
ledged that the errors of his past life were fully 
brought into his view, and deeply affected him : 
and that it grieved him that he had not attended 
week-day meetings ; but hoped the young people 
would now attend them, and that they would be- 
fore long be different from what they had been : 
intimating that his illness and death ought to have 
a warning effect, so as to produce a change. 

After repeatedly mentioning his desire to see 
his aunt, and being told that she was come ; he 
answered, with emphasis, " Bring her up, bring 
her up with the family." She came immediately — 
then addressing her, he said, " My dear aunt, 
I wished to see thee ; I am about to die. It is an 
awful thing to die ! pray for me ! stay by me, and 
see me die, if thou canst bear it. Oh, I have a short 
warning! If I were spared a little longer, I would 
live a very different life." 

Several young men, his relatives and intimate 
associates being present, he took an affectionate 
farewell of them, and declared his hope, that his 
death would deeply impress on their minds the 
uncertainty of all things here ; adding, " they are 
vanity ! yea, lighter than vanity ! and all the plea- 
sures of this world are but for a moment." 

On seeing a particular friend, he said, " My 
dear — , I wish thou hadst come sooner ; how are 
thy sons ? tell them, with my love, to read this 
lesson, and take care of themselves :" and to his 
immediate relatives he repeatedly said, " serve 



JOHN PIM. 149 

the Lord. I hope through mercy, I shall be ad- 
mitted into the Lord's vineyard : at first it seemed 
very hard for me to die ; but I now find it has been 
made wonderfully easy, more so than I thought 
was possible. Oh ! I have a most merciful Sa- 
viour to deal with me : now I can testify that 
my Redeemer liveth. I hQpe we shall all meet in 
Heaven." And he further said, " Oh ! when the 
awful sentence was passed * Time to thee shall be 
no longer,' I had as little thought this morning 
of being in the state I now am, as any one here ;" 
and expressed his fear that some there were not 
prepared ; often desiring, that those about him, 
and every one, might be instructed, particularly 
the youth. To a young man, who was much affec- 
ted with this impressive scene, he said, " Be pre- 
pared, be prepared !" recommending that none 
should defer making their peace till a dying hour, 
and added, " What can be expected from a death- 
bed repentance ? It is only to serve ourselves. Oh ! 
He that rules in Heaven above, and in the earth 
beneath, is only worthy to be served, for his mercy 
endureth forever, even to the very ends of the earth." 

He several times said, "Farewell, farewell, in the 
Lord ! I hope we shall all meet in a better place :" 
and near the close he said, " I have no doubt, no, 
not the smallest doubt of an entrance into rest," 
or words to the same effect. 

During the last solemn and deeply interesting 
hours of this dear young man's life, several friends 
were favoured to join his wrestling spirit in sup- 
plication ; this appeared consoling to him, and 
we may humbly trust was regarded by the Shep^ 
herd of Israel, whose compassion fails not, 
13* 



150 RICHARD JORDAN. 

Richard Jordan, the subject of the following 
memoir, was born at Elizabeth Town, in the county 
of Norfolk, Virginia, the 19th of the Twelfth 
month, 1756. 

His parents, Joseph and Patience Jordan, were 
members of the religious Society of Friends ; and 
though not wealthy, were descended from an an- 
cient and respectable family : his ancestors, on 
his father's side, emigrated from France early 
after the colonization of Virginia. 

The occupation in which his father was engaged 
frequently called him away from his family for a 
considerable length of time ; and his mother 
dying when he was quite young, his education 
was much neglected ; not only as regarded lite- 
rary instruction, but also the more important 
concerns of a religious life. The whole period 
during which he remained at school w T as only a 
few months ; and the instruction he received 
whilst there, was in the simplest elements of lite- 
rature. 

But being naturally of an active, inquisitive 
mind, and capable of appreciating the value of 
useful knowledge, he afterwards applied himself to 
study, during the hours of relaxation from manual 
labour; and, by his own exertions, made some 
proficiency in several branches of learning, so as 
to become qualified for teaching in a school ; an 
occupation in which he several times engaged, 
when the winter season suspended agricultural 
employments. 

His father's residence was remote from any 
settlement or meeting of Friends, and among a 
people who evinced but little regard for piety or 



RICHARD JORDAN. 151 

religion, and being exposed to the pernicious 
influence of evil company, and in great measure 
deprived of the tender, watchful care of parental 
love, he was almost wholly left to follow the cor- 
rupt propensities of human nature, and to choose 
his own course ; having never been at a religious 
meeting more than two or three times, until after 
he was twelve years of age. 

Whilst in this dangerous and exposed situation, 
it pleased the Saviour of sinners, in his wonted 
loving-kindnesss and mercy, to visit his youthful 
mind with the secret influences of His Holy Spirit, 
impressing him with an awful sense of his account- 
ability, and of the certainty of future rewards and 
punishments; and, at seasons, raising earnest 
desires after purity and holiness ; that when his 
immortal spirit should put off its earthly tenement, 
he might be prepared to enter into a state of never- 
ending felicity, among the redeemed and sancti- 
fied in heaven. The influence of these solemn 
impressions he often experienced, in the condem- 
nation and fear which attended his mind, after 
having been guilty of any sinful conduct, and 
also in the sweet peace and serenity which clothed 
his spirit when, through heavenly assistance, he 
was enabled to exercise greater watchfulness over 
his words and actions. 

About the twelfth year of his age, his father 
removed into the neighbourhood of Richsquare, 
in North Carolina. Here he had the opportunity 
of associating with the members of his own reli- 
gious Society, and also of attending their meetings 
for Divine worship. But for want of a close at- 
tention to the operation of the Spirit of Christ 



152 RICHARD JORDAN. 

upon his mind, which in time past had been so 
powerfully felt, the benefit of this invaluable privi- 
lege was, in great measure, lost upon him : he 
yielded to many temptations, became more and 
more alienated from God, and giving the rein 
to his corrupt appetites, was swiftly running in 
the broad way which leads to destruction. 

While pursuing this course of folly and wick- 
edness, it pleased Infinite Mercy once more to 
visit him with His righteous judgments, and to 
awaken his mind to an awful sense of the exceed- 
ing sinfulness of sin, and of his undone condi- 
tion without the availing interposition of an om- 
nipotent Saviour. 

The fire of the Lord's jealousy was now kin- 
dled in his soul, to consume every thing that was 
high and lifted up, and all that was defiled. Great 
indeed was the conflict of his spirit ; and many 
were the strong temptations which the adversary 
of man's happiness presented, persuading him to 
despair of the mercy of a gracious God, through 
his dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and to give 
himself up, as one utterly cast off and forsaken. 

In this day of darkness and distress, when 
every pleasant prospect was clouded, and all hope 
of deliverance seemed to stand afar off — when he 
was reduced to the last extremity of anguish, He 
who remains to be the compassionate Friend of 
sinners, was graciously pleased to cast an eye of 
tender pity on his mournful condition ; to draw 
near to his afflicted soul : and, by the calming 
influences of his own blessed Spirit, to bind up 
his wounds, and bid him live. Under an hum- 
ble sense of this unmerited mercy and condescen- 



RICHARD JORDAN. 153 

sion, he was enabled, in great humility, to cast 
himself at the feet of his dear Redeemer, and 
surrender body, soul, and spirit, into his Divine 
hand ; entering into solemn covenant, that if He 
would be pleased to grant him an evidence of 
pardon and reconciliation, he would, through His 
blessed assistance, follow Him whithersoever He 
might lead. This act of dedication was graciously 
accepted; and his distressed mind was sweetly 
consoled in the renewal of a humble hope, that 
through the merits and mediation of a crucified 
Saviour, his sins were blotted out as a cloud, and 
his transgressions as a thick cloud. 

Soon after this, he was impressed with a belief 
that he was called upon by his Divine Master, to 
declare to others the wonderful dealings of the 
Almighty with his soul, and to publish the glad 
tidings of the Gospel of peace and salvation. But 
so awful was the prospect of this solemn engage- 
ment, and so deep and abiding the sense of his 
own unworthiness, that he forbore to enter upon 
it, even after the impression of duty became in- 
dubitably clear. Oftentimes he was ready to 
yield obedience when the call was sounded in his 
spiritual ear ; but not cherishing the grain of 
living faith which accompanied it, the weakness 
of human nature would get the ascendency ; once 
in particular, in a small meeting, the impression 
that it would be right for him to speak was so 
forcible, that he put his hand upon his knee to 
rise ; but giving way to reasoning, he lost strength, 
and the opening on his mind was soon quite re- 
moved. Thus he passed on for several years, 
still holding back from the Lord's service ; which 



154 RICHARD JORDAN. 

proved the means of retarding him in his heavenly 
journey, and at times introduced him into much 
mental suffering. 

During this time of trial, he accomplished his 
marriage with Pharaby Knox, daughter of Tho- 
mas Knox, a respectable planter in the neighbour- 
hood, and an approved minister in the religious 
Society of Friends. Her father had not much 
earthly treasure to confer upon his daughter, but 
he had endeavoured to imbue her mind with that 
which is more valuable than riches, by giving her 
a religious education, and training her up in the 
fear of the Lord. Previous to entering into the 
important engagement of marriage, Richard Jor- 
dan and his intended companion were concerned 
to ask counsel of the Lord ; being desirous not 
to take a step which so intimately affected their 
present and future happiness, without first obtain- 
ing some evidence of Divine approbation. 

This was graciously afforded to them ; and 
gratitude for the favour, and comfort and sup- 
port under many trials, was the consequence of 
this rich blessing. They commenced the world with 
few of the conveniences, and none of the luxuries 
of life ; yet they enjoyed, under a homely roof, 
that peace and contentment, which wealth and 
luxury cannot bestow. The members of the 
Society of Friends in the parts where he resided, 
Richsquare, were not then generally convinced of 
the injustice of negro slavery ; and his father, 
amongst others, held a considerable number of 
slaves, a part of whom he offered to convey to his 
son. Under a conviction of the injustice of hold- 
ing his fellow men in bondage, Richard Jordan 



n 



RICHARD JORDAN. 155 

declined this offer ; believing that he was called 
upon to bear his testimony against the practice. 

His refusal, under his straitened circumstances, 
occasioned surprise, and even made him the sub- 
ject of ridicule to some of his acquaintances ; but 
this seemed to act only as an additional incite- 
ment to industry and frugality, lest he should, by 
any pecuniary embarrassment, bring reproach 
upon the cause of Truth. As, however, he steadily 
attended to this concern respecting the negroes, 
with great tenderness toward such of his brethren 
as had not yet been convinced of the enormity of 
the evil, he was made the happy instrument of 
enlightening the understandings of many ; and 
soon after, a general emancipation took place 
amongst Friends. 

Notwithstanding Richard Jordan continued to 
fulfil his social and domestic duties, during all this 
time, with much propriety, and maintained a con- 
sistent and blameless character among men, yet 
there was, in his own mind, a consciousness that 
he was found wanting in the sight of Him who 
searcheth the heart, which at times disquieted his 
mind, and cast a shade over the enjoyments which 
his beloved home and family were calculated to 
impart. This sense of deficiency arose from a 
continued unwillingness to engage in the awful 
work of the gospel ministry, the call to which he 
had long felt, but had resisted, until the impres- 
sion was almost effaced from his mind. 

The sense of his unfaithfulness in this respect 
often greatly oppressed him, and he began to fear 
that he should entirely fall from the little good he 
had known, and become a castaway. 



156 RICHARD JORDAN. 

Of his feelings at this period of his life he thus 
writes, " When weighed in the balance, I was 
found wanting ; and was brought to see and fully 
believe, that notwithstanding God approves of 
every act of moral righteousness, benevolence, 
and justice, yet He requires the heart to be devo- 
ted to Him ; and while this is wanting, our hope 
of salvation can never be permanent ; there is 
still something wanting that cannot be numbered ; 
the mind is left in unsettlement, and not establish- 
ed on that foundation which is immovable, and 
against which all storms and tempests beat in vain. 

After 1 had thus struggled and wearied myself 
for several years, endeavouring still to get along 
in my own way, until I had well nigh silenced 
those heavenly calls to revealed duty ; a minister- 
ing Friend came to our meeting, and was led to 
minister to my state, (which no mortal knew 
of by information from man,) in such a man- 
ner, that I accepted it as a renewed visitation 
from that same gracious Father of mercies, who 
had been so long striving with me. This dear 
servant, who had left all to follow his blessed 
Master, was made instrumental to strengthen in 
me the weak things that remained, so that I was 
once more enabled to renew my resolutions ; and 
in a short time after this, I was raised upon my 
feet in a small meeting then held in a Friend's 
house, near my habitation. I expressed but a 
very few words, greatly to the surprise of those 
present, but the peace and sweetness which flowed 
into my soul after the meeting, was better felt 
than described : indeed I could not, neither did I 
wish to describe it." 



RICHARD JORDAN. 157 

He was, when he was thus strengthened to 
devote himself to the service of his Lord, about 
twenty-five years of age. 

Animated by the love of God, and an ardent 
desire for the everlasting welfare of his fellow- 
creatures, and believing it required of him to 
make a religious visit to Friends and others in 
the northern and eastern states, he submitted this 
prospect of extensive labour to the consideration 
of his friends, who signified their unity with him 
therein, by certificates from the monthly and 
quarterly meetings. He left home in the Third 
month, 1797, accompanied by his beloved friend 
Josiah White, and made a visit to many of the 
meetings in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, 
New York, and some parts of the New England 
states. Besides attending the meetings of Friends, 
he appointed some among those not of our reli- 
gious Society, in all which engagements, the unfail- 
ing arm of Divine goodness was mercifully near, 
enabling him to preach the Gospel of life and 
salvation with availing energy. 

Having passed through many humbling bap- 
tisms, in which he had endured great stripping 
and poverty of spirit, preparatory to further reli- 
gious service, and having patiently waited the com- 
mand of Him, in whose hand are the times and 
seasons; in the Third month, 1799, he imparted 
to his friends a prospect of duty which had long 
attended his mind, to visit in the love of Christ, 
Great Britain, Ireland, and some parts of the 
continent of Europe. In opening this concern to 
the several meetings whose concurrence was 
necessary, Divine goodness attended, contriting 
14 



158 RICHARD JORDAN. 

the spirits of many present, and cementing them 
in the precious feeling of Gospel fellowship. 

He was engaged in the prosecution of this con- 
cern for several years ; and during his extensive 
and arduous journeys, he was mercifully preser- 
ved by Divine interposition, in perils by sea and 
by land, and among false brethren. 

He visited his fellow professors, and held meet- 
ings with many of other religious denominations, 
in England, Scotland, and Ireland. His gospel 
mission was also extended to parts of Holland, 
Prussia, Germany and France : in which coun- 
tries he had many memorable meetings, both 
with Friends and those who do not profess with 
us. Although amongst a people whose language 
he did not understand, yet way was made for him 
in a remarkable manner. Suitable persons acted 
as interpreters ; and whilst he remained at Pyr- 
mont, (a visit of several weeks,) the meetings 
were often much crowded by serious persons, not 
connected with our religious Society, and a door 
was opened for the preaching of the gospel with 
authority and power so as to reach to the hearts 
of his auditors. He says, " Many of these dear 
people would stand, and look me in the face with 
tears in their eyes, regretting that they were not 
able to speak to me, telling my interpreter that 
the language of their hearts towards me was love, 
and truly mine often overflowed with love to them." 

He spent some weeks in the neighbourhood of 
Congenies in the South of France, visiting Friends 
in their meetings and families. Thence he pro- 
ceeded towards Bordeaux, in order to look for a 
passage to some port in England. This proved 



RICHARD JORDAN. 159 

to be a very trying journey, it being between two 
and three hundred miles, and he had only the 
company of a young man who had lately been an 
officer in the French army, and did not understand 
a word of English. In his narrative of this jour- 
ney, he says : — 

" Such was again my trying situation ; alone, 
far separated from all my dear friends and con- 
nections, and in a great strait to know rightly 
what to do for the best. Lord, look down upon 
me in mercy ; preserve and support me under 
these dispensations, and be pleased to show me 
the way that I should go, for thou knowest me al- 
together, and my desire to trust in thy eternal Pro- 
vidence ! O, withdraw not thy soul-animating pre- 
sence altogether from me, but preserve me in these 
proving seasons, and keep me, O my God, in 
every hour of temptation and trial, that so I may 
not wound and become a reproach to thy holy 
cause, where my lot is cast, nor make sorrow and 
repentance for my own soul, but that through thy 
holy aid, O my God, I may yet be enabled to sing 
thy praises on the banks of deliverance, for unto 
Thee only is praise due, now and for evermore ! 

"It was nearly two weeks from this time before 
I could engage a passage to answer my purpose, 
but at length one offered by a Danish brig, bound 
for the island of Guernsey, and I concluded to 
embrace this opportunity, and cast myself entire- 
ly on that all -supporting arm of Omnipotence 
which sustains the earth, and rules the raging sea. 

" I may now remark, that although much of the 
time I have been waiting here has seemed almost 
like imprisonment, and I have felt at times as if for- 



160 RICHARD JORDAN. 

saken both of friends and the world, yet as I have 
endeavoured to renew my trust and confidence in 
the eternal Arm, blessed be his ever adorable 
name, through the renewing of his infinite love 
and mercy to my soul, my lonely room, especially 
during the latter part of my stay here, has been 
made to me as a pleasant museum, wherein I 
have been favoured with precious openings into 
some of the wonderful works both of nature and 
of grace, to my own humble rejoicing in the eter- 
nal Providence, and I was made a renewed be- 
liever therein. O, my God, how unsearchable is 
thy wisdom, how boundless and unfathomable are 
the riches of thy goodness and mercy : thy ways 
are hid as in the great deep, and past finding out ; 
who shall refuse to adore thee, who art the ever- 
lasting Father and God over all ? Shall not all 
nations bow before thee, who hast made both the 
seas and the dry land, and hast appointed unto 
them the bounds of their habitations, for the Lord 
of Hosts remains to be thy name ? O, the fall of 
Adam ; and how all his offspring have been and 
are affected by it ! I have been made to see and 
to believe it; and the means appointed for their 
redemption, and how it is to be effected, I have 
seen and do most assuredly believe in. O well 
micrht the poor man mentioned in the gospel, cry 
out, " Lord, I believe ; help thou mine unbelief." 
O who can disbelieve in Christ Jesus, the Saviour 
of the world ! in his manhood, sufferings, and 
death therein ! also in his divinity and eternal 
power ; the Redeemer and Saviour, in whom, as 
testified by the apostle, dwells all the fullness of 
the Godhead bodily. Tremble, O ye Deists be- 






RICHARD JORDAN. 161 

fore Him, unto whom all judgment is committed, 
that all men might honour Him even as the Fa- 
ther is honoured. This is the Stone that was set 
at nought and rejected by you wise builders, but 
truly it is elect of God and precious ; and by Him 
all your buildings will be tried, whether you will 
or not ; although you may, in your wisdom, carry 
your fabric to a prodigious height like Nimrod, 
yet in the day of his power when he shall come 
to inspect your work, it shall fare no better than 
Nimrod's did. O, tremble, lest confusion and 
everlasting disappointment be your portion ! — But 
O, my God, be thou pleased to strengthen and 
enable me from time to time, to hold fast even 
unto the end what thou hast now been pleased to 
renew in my soul, and given me to believe most 
firmly. Amen." 

Richard Jordan sailed from Bourdeaux on the 
13th of Eleventh month, 1801 ; and, after a very 
stormy and tedious passage of more than three 
weeks, reached Dartmouth in a state of great ex- 
haustion and debility. On being safely landed there, 
after encountering many dangers, he thus comme- 
morates the preservation which he had experienced. 

" I was truly glad and thankful in heart, for 
the merciful deliverance vouchsafed to me from 
being entombed in the mighty deep, though, bles- 
sed be God, in whom I was enabled to put my 
trust, when the countenances of the mariners wore 
a dismal aspect, and all hope of being saved was 
nearly gone, I never quite lost my confidence ; 
no, not for a moment, even in the greatest ex- 
tremity of danger. At one time in particular, 
when 1 verily thought we were going down to the 
14* 



162 RICHARD JORDAN. 

bottom never more to rise, being so deeply cover* 
ed with the rolling surge that the mighty roaring 
thereof ceased to sound in our ears, and there 
was a profound silence in the ship ; even then did 
my mind feel so calm and quiet, that I could not 
doubt of being clasped in the arms of everlasting 
love ; and I yielded to his blessed will, saying in 
secret, Lord, if it be thy blessed will that this 
shall be my grave, I yield, if I may but go down 
clasped in the arms of thine everlasting love, or if 
thou art pleased to bring me safe to land again, I 
will surely sing thy praise, I will tell of thy good- 
ness in the congregation of thy people, I will 
speak of thy wondrous works." 

He returned to America in the year 1 803 ; and 
reached his own habitation on the 13th of Third 
month. On which interesting occasion he says : 

" I found my dear wife and family all well, and 
glad to see and receive me again ; and I rejoiced 
to see them, and to find that they had been pre- 
served and abundantly cared for by a kind Provi- 
dence, during my absence. 

" I was from home on this journey three years, 
one month, and ten days, in which time I travel- 
led by land and water, about fifteen thousand 
miles. Thus, O Lord my God, in whom I have 
endeavoured to repose my trust, thou hast carried 
me through many heights and depths, perils and 
dangers ; yea, perils by sea, perils by land, and 
perils by false brethren ; and through all these 
didst thou preserve me ; when thy billows went 
over my head, and my heart was ready to melt 
within me, even then didst thou make bare thine 
arm for my deliverance, and sustainedst me by thy 



RICHARD JORDAN. 163 

matchless goodness, and madest me to see thy 
wonders in the great deep ; then thou wast there, 
and guidedst me by the right hand of thy power, 
that I should not be swallowed up by the proud 
waves, when they roared about my head, and 
threatened destruction. Thus thy countless mer- 
cies, O Lord, have been round about me in all the 
way, and thou hast brought me safe back again to 
my dear connexions at home ; for all these thy 
mercies, O Lord, I desire to bless and praise thy 
name, which is great and adorable forever. And 
now, O Lord, I am not worthy of all these thy 
mercies, yet since thou hast been pleased of thy 
unmerited bounty to grant them hitherto, and 
hast given me to speak well of thy name in the 
congregations of thy people, even to some of the 
nations afar off, be pleased to remember, and not 
forsake me, in my future steppings along through 
the remaining part of my pilgrimage here. Pre- 
serve me, O my God, and deliver me from all my 
enemies, both within and without, for thou know- 
est them all, and seest their snares, even before 
they are laid ; give me to see, and strength to 
shun them all, both on the right hand and on the 
left, even unto the end ; so that I may be enabled 
to bring honour and praise unto thy great name 
through all the remaining part of my days here, 
and unite with those who, in unceasing anthems, 
sing thy everlasting praise beyond the grave. 
Amen." 

He had been apprehensive from the manner 
in which his mind had been exercised for several 
years past, and more especially since his return 
from Europe, that his future religious labours 



164 RICHARD JORDAN. 

would be chiefly in the northern and eastern parts 
of the American continent, insomuch that he was 
induced to believe that it was his duty to resign 
himself to the prospect of removing with his wife 
to New England. 

He accordingly removed to Hartford, New Eng- 
land, within the compass of Nine Partners' Quar- 
terly Meeting, and continued there five years, 
cultivating a farm, which appeared likely to prove 
very productive, so that he and his family were 
comfortably settled. But Richard Jordan's mind 
became impressed with a belief that, for the 
promotion of that service in the gospel to which he 
apprehended himself called, it was his duty again 
to leave his outward possessions, and to reside at 
Newton, within the compass of Haddonfield 
Monthly Meeting, in New Jersey. After being 
settled there for a few weeks, he thus writes : — 

" The good angel, whom we believe to have 
been with us in all the way, has still hitherto 
been near, comforting our minds in our lonely 
habitation, in our solitary walks, and in our reli- 
gious meetings, enabling me to speak of his good- 
ness among the people, which seems to have en- 
deared many of us one unto another. And now, 
O Lord, thou hast seen all our temptations, and 
the anxiety and tribulation of our souls ; we are 
here under an apprehension of its being according 
to thy requiring, and in thy Divine appointment ; 
O Lord, look clown upon us, and be near unto us 
in all our temptations and besetments, in all our 
tribulations and distresses, and in all our goings 
in and out among the people : be pleased to re- 
member us, we pray thee, as among the poor and 



RICHARD JORDAN. 165 

dependent ones, that have daily need of thy aid : 
we ask neither worldly riches nor honours ; give 
us, if it be consistent with thy good will and plea- 
sure, food and raiment convenient for us, and be 
thou, O Lord, our strength in weakness, our riches 
in poverty, and our present help in every need- 
ful time, that so we may be enabled to honour 
thee in thy blessed cause on earth, and bring 
praise to thy great name through our lives and in 
our death, who art God over all, blessed for ever- 
more." 

In 1813, he visited the meetings of Friends 
along the sea coast in New Jersey, the retrospect 
of which afforded him peace. After this he seldom 
left home on any long journeys, but frequently 
attended the neighbouring Quarterly Meetings, and 
the Meetings for Sufferings in Philadelphia, of 
which he was a diligent and valuable member. 

In 1818 he writes, " Being now in the sixty- 
third year of my age, my prospects seem much 
closed, as respects long journeys, feeling an in- 
crease of the infirmities attendant on advanced 
years, though blessed be my gracious Helper, I 
enjoy a good share of health and strength at pre- 
sent, considering my time of life ; yet the prayer 
of David seems prevalent, ; Cast me not off in the 
time of old age, forsake me not when my strength 
faileth.' 

" 1821. Seventh month. I have now been for 
most of two years, afflicted with a complaint in 
my chest, which has rendered me unfit for much 
service ; yet I have been enabled to visit sundry 
neighbouring Quarterly Meetings, and to attend 
our Yearly Meeting, as also our own Monthly and 



166 RICHARD JORDAN. 

Particular Meetings, in which at times living de- 
sires are raised, that after the example of good old 
Simeon, I may be found ' waiting for the conso- 
lation of Israel.' 

"1823. Eighth month. My mind has long 
been burdened with hearing assertions made, that 
every child coming into the world is placed pre- 
cisely in the same situation as Adam was, when in 
Paradise, or as he came out of the hands of his 
Maker, and speaking slightly of the atonement of 
Christ, bringing down that blessed suffering Sav- 
iour and Redeemer of men to the level of other 
good persons in common. Well would it be for 
such, in my apprehension, if they would seriously 
consider the import of a part of the apostle's com- 
ment on the law of Moses ; viz. c He that despised 
Moses's law died without mercy under two or 
three witnesses ; of how much sorer punishment, 
suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy who hath 
trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath count- 
ed the blood of the covenant wherewith he was 
sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite 
unto the Spirit of Grace ; for we know Him that 
hath said, vengeance belongeth unto me, I will re- 
compense, saith the Lord; and again, the Lord 
shall judge his people ; it is a fearful thing to fall 
into the hands of the living God.' " 

In the Third month, 1825, he met with a severe 
trial in the decease of his beloved wife, who had 
been an affectionate and sympathising companion 
during the greater part of half a century. On 
this affecting bereavement he makes the following 
instructive remarks. 

" And now what shall I sav more. — The Lord 



RICHARD JORDAN. 167 

has been pleased in the inscrutable counsel of his 
will, to take from me my dear partner, who ended 
her useful life in this world on the morning of the 
second of Third month last, almost without sick- 
ness or pain, in the seventy-third year of her age ; 
being as well as usual the day before, and engaged 
in her domestic concerns. I could say much of 
her virtues, not only as a faithful helpmeet in our 
outward concerns, but in always giving me up 
cheerfully to the service of Truth, and sustaining 
my absence with Christian magnanimity, and 
sympathy with me in my labours and travels in 
the cause of truth and righteousness, and a con- 
soling evidence attends her departure, that she has 
sweetly fallen asleep in Jesus ; and therefore 
though I sorrow, yet not as those who have no 
hope ; for surely I am one in faith with the apos- 
tles of our Lord, that c they that sleep in Jesus, 
will God bring with him.' And now, O Lord, 
thou hast taken the mother with the children, and 
left me behind a little space longer in this state of 
probation, for causes known only to thyself; for 
thou art not bound to give account of thy matters 
to any ; it is enough for us to know that thou 
dost all things right ; and wilt do for us more 
than we can ask or think. But because thou art 
a God hearing prayer, be pleased O Lord to 
be near by thy secret power, and keep and pre- 
serve me during the short remainder of my 
time in this world, so that I may be enabled to 
fight the good fight, and keep the faith of thy 
beloved Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and 
Saviour, and so finish my course with joy ; for 



168 RICHARD JORDAN. 

thou, Lord, are faithful, who hast promised a 
crown of righteousness. Amen." 

After the decease of his dear wife, our beloved 
friend seemed to pass the remainder of his days 
as a servant waiting for the coming of his Lord, 
having a clear foresight that his earthly pilgrimage 
was nearly accomplished, and several times spoke 
of his decease as being at hand. He attended 
the Yearly Meeting of New York in 1826, and 
shortly after, in the Seventh month, was at three 
of the Monthly Meetings in Philadelphia, and 
spent some time in visiting his friends there, 
much to the peace of his own mind, remarking, 
when about to return home, that if it proved his 
last visit he should be well satisfied with it. 

In the Eighth month he attended the Quarterly 
Meeting of Abington, and that of Salem held at 
Woodbury. On his way home from the latter, his 
mind was much engaged in contemplating the 
present situation of the Society of Friends, la- 
menting with much feeling, the deviations from 
simplicity and plainness, which were conspicuous 
in many of the members, the avidity with which 
they pursued the pleasures and riches of the 
world, and the apparent want of religious concern 
on their own account, and for the welfare of the 
church. Much labour, he remarked, had been 
bestowed upon them; spiritual and temporal 
blessings had been dispensed with a liberal 
hand, and yet disobedience and ingratitude had 
been too generally returned for all these favours ; 
and he feared lest those who might be considered 
as the children of the kingdom, if they persisted 
in this course, would be cast out, and others 



RICHARD JORDAN. 169 

raised up, as from the stones of the streets, to 
support the doctrines and testimonies given to 
Friends to bear. He however expressed, that 
gloomy as the prospect of a succession of upright 
standard-bearers seemed, he had faith to believe, 
that those doctrines and testimonies never would 
fall to the ground ; and although many were pre- 
dicting that the present commotions within our 
borders would disorganize the Society, yet this 
would not be the case, but those who continued 
to maintain the ancient faith and' discipline of 
Friends, would be preserved a distinct body of 
Christian professors. 

On parting with the friend who accompanied 
him, he alluded to his late visit to the city of 
Philadelphia, and after expressing the great peace 
he felt in recurring to it, observed that it would 
be his last visit. The friend expressed his ear- 
nest desire that the solemn presentiment might 
not be realised, and remarked, how much he 
would be missed at the present time of trial ; to 
which Richard Jordan replied, " Yes ; but you 
must part from me at some time, and perhaps it 
will be as easy now as ever ;" repeating the as- 
surance that it would be his last visit. This was 
on Fifth -day afternoon, the eleventh of Eighth 
month, and on the following day he was taken 
sick. After this he attended meetings but a few 
times, being mostly confined to the house or bed, 
except occasionally riding out for a change of air 
and exercise. 

His last illness was tedious, continuing for 
more than two months, and while the gradual 
decay of his bodily powers was apparent, the 
15 



170 RICHARD JORDAN. 

strength and vigour of his mind seemed to remain 
unimpaired almost to the close. 

He did not appear disposed to converse much 
on ordinary topics or temporal affairs, but at 
times made many instructive remarks upon reli- 
gious subjects. He mourned over the desolating 
effects of the spirit of unbelief, which, under the 
plausible but false pretext of exalting the " light 
within," was leading many incautious minds into 
a denial of the saving truths of Christian redemp- 
tion, and a disregard of the plain and irrefragable 
testimonies contained in the sacred volume, de- 
claring, as his full belief, that all those who were 
really led by the Spirit of Christ, would feci 
themselves constrained reverently to believe in, 
and to acknowledge all that is recorded in the 
holy Scriptures, concerning the coming and suf- 
ferings, the death and offices, of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, as he appeared in the flesh 
at Jerusalem. 

He several times mentioned his firm conviction 
at that solemn period, that painful as is the pre- 
sent state of things amongst us, to the true dis- 
ciples of the Lamb, it would be made the means of 
purifying the Society from much of its dross ; that 
such as stood faithful in their allegiance to Christ, 
would be deepened by it in the life of religion, 
and some of them would live to see the Society 
in a far better state than it now is. He had 
seen, he said, that the Lord would take the cause 
into his own hand, and none should be able to 
hinder Him — that He would choose his own in- 
struments, and those of this society who had been 
highly favoured, but who had turned their backs 



RICHARD JORDAN. 171 

and forsaken Him, would be cast out, and others 
brought in who would stand for the honour of 
His great name, and for His cause in the earth. 

With much emphasis he said u O ! what will 
those men do that deny the divinity of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ ? What refuge will 
they have at such a time as this, on a sick-bed ? 
Oh, what will become of them !" Once he said, 
" I would not be in their state for any thing in 
the world." 

He intimated that, during this sickness he had 
had great opportunity for reflection, both by day 
and by night, and he had thought much upon the 
awful state of those people that deny the Lord, 
and the only hope of salvation — " which, added 
he, is by the mercy of God, through the merits 
and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." Then with 
much emphasis he exclaimed, " My hope, my only 
hope for salvation, is in the mercy of God, through 
the merits and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
These, or words nearly like them, he repeated 
several times during the conversation. He com- 
mented very instructively on the ground of this 
his hope, and the great stay and consolation it 
was to his mind. " Oh," said he, " I would not 
give this hope in the mercy of God, through 
Jesus Christ, for the whole world." He then 
proceeded to relate that during his illness, many 
Scripture passages, both in the Old and New 
Testament, had been unfolded to his mind with 
great clearness and comfort, respecting the plan 
devised by Divine Love for the restoration of poor 
fallen man, and the salvation of sinners. 

After setting forth the fall of man through the 



172 RICHARD JORDAX. 

temptation and subtlety of Satan, and his aspiring 
above the condition allotted him by his beneicent 
Creator, he proceeded to open some of those pas- 
sages, beginning with the promise of the seed of 
the woman that should bruise the serpent's head, 
Genesis, iii. 15, — adducing many other Scripture 
testimonies, which show that this seed is Christ, 
even He who died for our sins on the cross, and 
who is a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the 
whole world, an Advocate with the Father, and 
Mediator between God and man. He enlarged 
upon what faith in God, and in our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ had done in every genera- 
tion, and then emphatically said, " This is also 
my faith, and I shall die in it as I have lived, 
hoping in God's mercy through our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ." He made many other 
remarks at the same time, that evinced his deep 
solicitude on account of the spirit of infidelity 
which has crept in amongst us, tracing its origin 
to the pride of the human heart. 

On Second-day, the eighteenth of the month, a 
friend being with him, he made some instructive 
observations on the present situation of the Soci- 
ety, and with much tenderness of feeling mourned 
over the young and inexperienced, who were 
deluded by the fair pretences of some who were 
considered leaders of the people, and to whom 
they had been accustomed look up as examples 
and instructors in the church ; while these 
were taking advantage of the influence they 
had obtained, to inculcate pernicious principles, 
and infuse into their unsuspecting minds the 
poison of unbelief. For these unwary youth, thus 






RICHARD JORDAN. 173 

exposed to the artifices of designing men, he 
manifested tender commiseration and sympathy. 
But he said he believed the time was coming, and 
perhaps was not far distant, when these false 
teachers would be fully exposed. 

There were many, he remarked, who went 
under the name of Friends, that had never been 
convinced of, nor yielded obedience to, the prin- 
ciples and doctrines of the Society, but had made 
a mere empty profession ; and it was no marvel 
if such as these were carried off with the unsound 
notions which were now promulgated. He be- 
lieved it had been permitted, in order to manifest 
such as these : — as a Society we were very im- 
pure, and needed much sifting to make us as we 
should be. But he was firm in the faith that the 
ancient doctrines and principles of the Society, as 
set forth in the Holy Scriptures, must and would 
prevail over all opposition — that all those who 
were building on Jesus Christ, would be preserved 
amid all the storms and commotions which now 
agitate the Society, and that it would yet arise 
and shine in more of its ancient beauty, than 
many now living had ever seen it ; adding, " I 
may not live to see it, but there are some of you 
that will." 

He expressed much more during the course of 
this interesting conversation, not only manifesting 
the calm and confiding state of his mind and his 
unshaken faith in the Rock of Ages on which he 
had built, but also his full conviction that the 
Christian faith of the Society of Friends would 
eventually triumph, and that after the necessary 
conflict and suffering were endured, to purify it 
15* 



174 RICHARD JORDAN. 

from such nominal professors as hold the truth in 
unrighteousness and bring reproach upon the 
name of Christ by their unholy conduct and anti- 
Christian opinions, the Society would be enabled 
to rise superior to its present difficulties, and with 
renewed brightness hold up the light of a Chris- 
tian conduct, conversation, and profession to the 
world. Great was the anxiety he evinced, that 
the friends of Christ and his holy cause might 
stand firm in a patient, persevering testimony 
against every innovation, whether in doctrine or 
discipline, and by the steadfastness of their faith, 
the purity of their lives, and the meekness and 
humility of their spirits, evince that while they 
dared not strive to carry party views and schemes, 
they felt themselves constrained, by a sense of 
religious duty, earnestly to contend for the faith 
once delivered to the saints. 

To a friend who called to see him, he observed, 
"It is a satisfaction to reflect, that my outward 
concerns are all settled." After a solemn pause, 
he added, " I know that I am a poor creature, 
and have nothing to depend on but the mercy of 
a gracious God, through Jesus Christ, my Lord : 
Oh! these poor things that are trying to do away 
all belief in the authenticity of the Scriptures, 
and in a Saviour, what will become of them? 
No other foundation can any man lay than that 
which is laid." In the conversation with this 
friend, he observed, that his day's work was ac- 
complished ; to another of his friends, that he did 
not feel as though he had much more to say, but 
was labouring after true stillness and patience, 
to be gathered to the Source of all good; and 



RICHARD JORDAN. 175 

throughout the whole course of his illness, it was 
obvious that his mind was often engaged in deep, 
inward, awful retirement, and waiting on the Lord. 

The disease gradually made its progress, and 
though the symptoms attending it were not very 
alarming, yet he seemed impressed with the belief 
that he should not survive it. When his friends 
would express their hopes of his recovery, though 
he seemed unwilling to give them pain by posi- 
tively saying he should not, yet his replies gene- 
rally evinced that he had no prospect of it. Once 
he said, his friends must exercise a patient hope, 
he had not seen that he should get well. At times 
his bodily sufferings were very great, but he was 
preserved in much patience and resignation to the 
Lord's will, often ejaculating with earnestness, 
" O blessed Saviour, O Lord Jesus, help me !" 
showing that his dependence was placed on the 
Physician of value. 

A few days before his decease, he remarked to 
a friend who was with him, " the crisis has not 
been shown me when I shall be taken — but from 
the way I feel, it seems as if it could not be much 
longer;" — the friend replying, "then thou dost 
not think thou wilt recover," — he answered, "I 
leave it all to Him who knows how to order all 
things for the best ; I have no desire but that his 
blessed will may be done." 

On Sixth-day night, the thirteenth of Tenth 
month, he became much worse — his strength was 
fast failing, and the power of articulation almost 
gone — and about three o'clock on the following 
morning, the near approach of death was appa- 
rent. He was in great suffering for a few hours, 



176 ANDREW UNDERBILL. 

hut about ten in the morning, the conflict seemed 
over, and exhausted nature ready to sink away : 
he said nothing during this time, except ejaculating 
with uplifted hands, "O Lord!" which were his 
last words. He breathed shorter and shorter, 
until about a quarter after eleven, when his puri- 
fied spirit quietly departed to the mansions of 
eternal glory. 

His remains were interred in Friends' burial 
ground, at Newton, on Second-day, the sixteenth 
of Tenth month, 1826, after which a large and 
solemn meeting was held. 



The following account exhibits a striking evi- 
dence that a life of moral rectitude, and abstinence 
from grosser crimes, however essential it may be 
as one portion of our indispensable obligation in 
order to find acceptance in the Divine sight, is not. 
a passport to eternal happiness ; but that, to ob- 
tain an admission within the pearl gates, we must 
come to the feet of the blessed Jesus ; and expe- 
rience, through the efficacy of His atoning blood, 
our sins to be blotted out ; and that great change 
to be wrought in us, by the power of the Holy 
Spirit, described by our Lord, when He declared 
to a ruler in Israel, " Verily, verily, I say unto 
thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see 
the kingdom of God." John iii. 3. 

Andrew Underhill, the subject of this Me- 
moir, resided for the last three or four years of 
his life in the city of Richmond, Va., in America ; 



ANDREW UNDERBILL. 177 

being there engaged in mercantile business. He 
was of a delicate constitution, and the heat of that 
southern climate proving very injurious to him, he 
was mostly obliged to spend the summer months 
at a distance, in pursuit of health. 

Notwithstanding this precaution, he suffered 
severely from repeated attacks of bilious fever ; 
and during these seasons, the separation from 
home, and all its comforts and endearments, was 
most sensibly felt. 

In the Fifth month of 1822, he was again at- 
tacked with this alarming disease ; and from the 
effects of that illness, we believe he never entirely 
recovered. Symptoms of pulmonary disease en- 
sued, and he returned home to his father's house 
in Philadelphia, about the 1st of the Eighth month ; 
but, unwilling to subject himself to a tedious con- 
finement while it could be avoided, he resolved to 
visit Saratoga springs, in the hope that their heal- 
ing virtues might restore health to his enfeebled 
frame. But in this, disappointment was also his 
portion; and when he returned to his friends, 
after an absence of nearly four weeks, it was but 
too evident that the waters and the journey had 
proved alike unavailing. His physician candid- 
ly told him his disease was on the lungs. This 
information, though not altogether unexpected, 
was a stroke to his feelings ; and from this time, 
his hopes of recovery were never sanguine. To 
his mother, who at this juncture was absent from 
the city, he writes thus : " I now begin to be ap- 
prehensive of a tedious confinement. If it is to 
be so, the first wish of my heart is, that I may 
be favoured to wait in perfect resignation for the 



178 ANDREW UNDERHILL. 

issue ; and that my kind and dear friends, resting 
under the full conviction that whatever does hap- 
pen will be for the best, will not give themselves 
unnecessary anxiety on my account." 

From the first of his confinement to the house, 
it was evident, from the course of his reading, 
and the whole tenor of his deportment, that his 
mind was deeply impressed with a sense of the 
awfulness of his situation ; and that he was la- 
bouring after a more perfect knowledge of the 
things that make for peace, and things that accom- 
pany salvation. 

About this time, a friend kindly put into his 
hand " A Brief Memoir of the Life of Dr. Bate- 
man," a little book that we believe was singu- 
larly blessed to him ; opening to the view of his 
conflicted mind, a comforting prospect of the 
mercy and condescending goodness of his Re- 
deemer; upon whom he seemed, in child-like 
simplicity, to cast all his care: and as his strength 
diminished, his faith increased ; and a consoling 
hope at length was afforded, that the resignation 
of his will was accepted, his transgressions blot- 
ted out, and his name recorded in the book of 
life. 

His decline was rapid ; but he continued to 
come down stairs till the close of the year. On 
new-year's day he kept his chamber, and was ex- 
tremely weak and languid ; but read at intervals 
in the New Testament, and one or two other reli- 
gious books that he had placed beside him. He 
was, at this time, evidently passing through much 
conflict ; and his mother being deeply affected by 
it, with great tenderness, ventured to inquire a 



ANDREW UNDERBILL. 179 

little into the state of his mind. He answered in 
a sweet and humble manner, " I think I feel nothing 
in my way ; and if my sufferings do but help me 
to obtain Divine acceptance, it is all I can ask ; I 
shall account them as nothing." 

She was strengthened to encourage him to keep 
close to that exercise; and expressed her confi- 
dence that an evidence of acceptance would be 
mercifully granted. 

First mo. 2nd, 1823. Increasing in weakness, 
he observed to his mother, that the disease was 
fast approaching to a crisis. His father coming 
into his chamber, and inquiring how he felt, he 
answered, " Extremely weak. I believe I have 
nothing to do but acquaint myself with that which 
is promised to all that believe." 

On the evening of the 8th he inquired of the 
surrounding family circle, if they had read what 
Adams says of the Socinians. The book was 
brought, and his father read the tenets of the So- 
cinians and Unitarians. Upon which he remark- 
ed, " It won't do — that doctrine will not stand ;" 
and after a pause, added, " There is no other 
name given under heaven among men, whereby 
we can be saved, but the Name of Jesus." 

At another time, when some allusion had been 
made to such principles, he said with much feel- 
ing, "As I was reflecting the other night upon 
my own situation, and almost overwhelmed with 
a sense of my sins, my mind became suddenly 
illuminated to perceive, that though they were as 
the scarlet dye, a Saviour's blood could wash me 
white as wool. The distress I had felt was re- 



180 ANDREW UNDERBILL. 

moved ; and a sweetness left that I had never be- 
fore experienced." 

Several of the family sitting with him, and 
being engaged in sweet and serious conversation, 
it was remarked, it would be a satisfaction to 
know whether we should be permitted to recognise 
each other in heaven. He answered, " The re- 
cognition of our friends is of small importance 
compared with an entrance there — that is not 
worth a thought." 

His mother observed : " The Scriptures assure 
us, that c eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither 
hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive, 
the good things that are laid up in store for those 
that love and fear God.' " 

He repeated : " Ah ! to obtain an admittance 
there, is the all-important point; and that we may 
all do it, I have not the shadow of doubt y by the 
entire submission of our wills to the Divine will." 

Some days afterwards, he referred to the pas- 
sage of Scripture which his mother had repeated ; 
it was found and read, and was one on which he 
seemed to dwell with peculiar pleasure. The 
Scriptures had, indeed, become his delight, parti- 
cularly the New Testament, which he kept con- 
stantly by his side. 

First mo. 11th. A female friend who had often 
visited him, called this evening, and delivered a 
message of love from her sister. He thanked 
her, and added, " As she has been so kind as to 
express an interest for me, tell her that though 
I am gradually weakening, my mind is all calm- 
ness ; and I am favoured to experience perfect 
resignation to the approaching event; — yes!" he 



ANDREW UNDERHILL. 181 

repeated with emphasis, " perfect resignation !" 
And after a pause, he added in a low voice: 
" Sarah ! the goodness of God is wonderful ! 
wonderful indeed! for though my sins were as 
scarlet, I have been favoured to experience that 
they are all forgiven ; and that saving faith has 
been given me, by which I have an assurance 
that through the merits of the Son, I shall find 
acceptance with the Father." 

One day, when he was much oppressed, one 
of his sisters asked him which was the hardest 
to bear — this oppression, or severe pain. He 
answered, u O, I never think of that; I early 
ascertained that it was my duty to bear what is 
sent me, and bless the Hand that gives it." 

At another time he said, " It is hard always 
to be patient and not to wish to be released ;" or 
something to that effect — and then added, " I 
have not once dared to pray either for life or 
death." 

One evening, his sister observed, she would 
willingly bear a part of his sufferings. He re- 
plied, " It would not do ; we must all settle our 
own accounts — 'tis necessary : and not only ne- 
cessary, but the best thing that could happen." 

One morning he was very languid, and after 
walking a few times over the floor, reseating him- 
self in the easy chair, saying, "It is the Chris- 
tian's privilege to die. I can set my seal to that." 

In the afternoon, two young friends who had 
come from New York to visit him, spent several 
hours with him, listening with affectionate atten- 
tion to his every word. At parting, he discovered 
much emotion ; and when his mother returned 
16 



182 . ANDREW UNDERHILL. 

to the chamber, after waiting on them down 
stairs, he said, " I hope thou told those young 
men their visit was acceptable to thee, for it has 
been very pleasant and grateful to me ;" adding, 
" They have taken a great deal of pains to come 
and see me ; I don't know whether they have 
gained any instruction." 

His mother replied, she hoped he had been 
strengthened to tell them what his views of life 
were now. 

" I had to tell them," said he, " to fear God 
and keep his commandments." 

14th, A day of great weakness. — He was 
visited towards evening by the female friend 
before alluded to, to whom he expressed himself 
thus : " The loss of my voice is a great priva- 
tion : — my heart seems so filled with the love of 
my Redeemer, I desire to sound forth his praises ; 
but I have not the power." 

On the evening of the 15th, several of the 
family having, as usual, collected in the chamber 
of the precious invalid, he inquired how long he 
had kept his chamber ; and being told two weeks, 
he said with much emotion, " I may truly say, 
the goodness of God to my soul has been won- 
derful ! that with so little suffering, I should have 
to believe that my sins w 7 ili be forgiven, by simply 
coming to the feet of the Saviour. I have indeed 
some sinking moments, from a fear that I may 
be deceived ; and yet the language was plain, 
1 Thy faith hath made thee whole ;' and* I have 
no doubt that I shall be admitted into the palace 
of the King of kings." 

Hearing at this juncture, that a friend whom 



ANDREW UNDERHILL. 183 

he valued much, and whose company and sym- 
pathy had often been consoling and strengthening 
to his mind, had called to ask after him, he im- 
mediately desired he might be invited up ; and, 
to his inquiries relative to his health, he answer- 
ed : " Weak in body, but very comfortable in 
mind. I was just saying, that the goodness of 
God to my soul was so great, that 1 am almost 
tempted to think myself under a delusion ; that 
my sins, which were as scarlet, should be for- 
given with so little suffering — merely by being 
brought to the foot of the cross. Yet the mani- 
festation has been very clear, 'Thy faith hath 
made thee whole.' " 

A solemn pause ensued. — The friend presently 
withdrew. — The weeping circle continued to sit 
in silence ; and the dear sufferer soon after ad- 
ded, " When you come to lie on a sick-bed, and 
look at eternity and then at the world, it will 
sink into utter insignificance. I am astonished 
now, that any one can be willing to live here, 
without an assurance that they are so living as to 
obtain Divine acceptance ; when they know not 
the hour they will be called upon to give an 
account of their stewardship. I have been 
plucked as a brand from the burning. There is 
no cause for sorrow and grief, but of rejoicing 
that my small portion of suffering will work out 
for me such an exceeding and eternal weight of 
glory. I have had such an ecstatic view of the 
glory of the heavenly host, that the idea of being 
permitted to join such a company, overwhelmed 
me with intensity of feeling ; and in a little time — 
a few years — I doubt not we shall meet again, a 



184 ANDREW UNDERBILL. 

family of love, to join in singing praises to the 
Most High God." 

This was indeed a solemn season ; and under 
an humbling sense of Divine goodness, his mo- 
ther revived the passage, " Suffer little children 
to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such 
is the kingdom of heaven ;" adding, " This was 
the language of the Master formerly, and it re- 
mains for our encouragement ; and since I have 
found, my dear child, that thou wast willing to 
come in child-like simplicity, and lay open thy 
heart to Him who seeth in secret, I have had no 
fear ; but so full an assurance that thou wouldst 
be accepted, that I have been at times enabled to 
say, c The bitterness of death is past.'" 

He seemed overcome with his emotions, and 
reclining back in his chair, one of his sisters ad- 
vanced towards him ; and he feebly uttered, " I 
thank thee, O Father ! for this evidence that my 
prayer was heard ;" — or nearly these words. 

In the evening of the succeeding day, he 
received a visit from a friend, to whom he ob- 
served, " My weakness is so great, that it seems 
at times to absorb all the faculties of my mind ; 
yet I am generally favoured to experience much 
calmness, and a blessed assurance that, through 
the mercy of my Redeemer, I shall be accepted." 
After a pause, he added, " Though sometimes 
cast down and depressed, I trust I am not forsa- 
ken." .* 

The friend replied, " No ! my brother, thou 
art not forsaken. I think I never had a clearer 
evidence of any thing, than that there is laid up 
for thee a crown of righteousness." 



ANDREW UNDERBILL. 185 

On another occasion he remarked to his mo- 
ther, " When we look at this scene of care and 
disappointment, and trial ,- and from the little 
insight I have had into another, know it is one 
of exquisite joy, that none can conceive who are 
not, in measure, partakers of the heavenly na- 
ture ; I wonder such an one as I can ever expect 
to obtain it." Then after a pause he added, in 
an animated manner, " But I know that my Re- 
deemer liveth ; and he hath said, ' He that be- 
lieveth in Me, shall never die.' I know that He 
can prepare me to join the general assembly and 
spirits of just men made perfect, in worshipping 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." 

At another time he broke forth in this man- 
ner : "I pray thee, O Father ! give me strength, 
before I go home, to tell of thy goodness :" and 
soon after, as his mother was attempting to make 
a little change in the position of his head, he 
looked at her expressively, and said, u I am 
plucked as a brand from the burning." 

His mother, much affected, replied, " I have 
often been made thankful, my dear Andrew, in 
believing that, notwithstanding thy exposed situa- 
tion, thou hast been preserved in a good degree of 
innocency." 

" Ah, my dear mother !" he returned, " and 
yet, living as I did live, I might have been lost 
forever." 

In the twilight of the evening, as one of his 

aunts was wiping the drops from his face, he 

said, " It runs a stream." Then pausing a 

moment, and raising his eyes, he said, " Gracious 

*16 



186 ANDREW UNDERHILL. 

Father! I thank thee that the conflict is so 
nearly over as I think it is." 

His father, mother, and two of his sisters sit- 
ting by him, after a short pause, he said in a 
solemn manner, " The approach of death is al- 
ways awful ; but to one who is looking for it from 
hour to hour, it is peculiarly awful. Death, as 
to me, has been robbed of his victory, through 
the cleansing blood of the holy Jesus ; who, if 
we are willing to submit to his dispensations, and 
obey the dictates of the Light, will bring us to 
the Father, where we shall be received into the 
palace of the King of kings, and obtain a reward 
far beyond whatw^e can possibly conceive." 

Then, after a short pause, he added, " I trust 
and believe, we shall all meet again a family of 
love." He then broke forth in fervent suppli- 
cation : "I pray thee, O Father! to shower 
down thy love upon every member of this family. 
O Lord ! extend the arm of Thy protection to 
the heads thereof — enable them still to extend 
their parental care to their children, as they have 
hitherto most faithfully done. May those that 
are left be a support to them in their declining 
years ; may they follow them in the way of holi- 
ness ; and be an honour to them, and be useful 
in the church ,- and finally be received into thy 
glorious rest." 

After this, he slept several hours, but seemed 
disturbed with painful dreams, under the im- 
pression of which he exclaimed, " I should have 
sunk to the ground, but for thy consoling love." 
His respiration continued extremely difficult and 
distressing ; but he took a little nourishment 



ANDREW UNDERHILL, 187 

and again sunk into a disturbed sleep; from 
which he seemed soon to awake, and was heard 
to say, " It has helped to work out for me an 
eternal weight of glory ;" and presently, as if 
filled with a sense of Divine goodness and mercy, 
" I could pour forth thy praises without ceasing, 
if 1 had the power." 

Several of the family sitting beside him, watch- 
ing in tearful silence for him to awake to more 
acute perception, about five o'clock he said in a 
deliberate manner, with a voice as strong and 
distinct as he had spoken for days past, " I feel 
that I am under His peculiar care." 

These consoling words sunk like balm into 
their afflicted hearts, and for some time perfect 
silence reigned. His mother then offered him 
some drink, of which he took several spoonsfull, 
swallowing without difficulty ; and shortly after 
was heard to repeat part of the text, " Eye hath 
not seen, nor ear heard." 

His respiration appeared to grow more and 
more easy. His mother observed a momentary 
intermission ; and, presently after, a sigh so soft 
as scarcely to be perceived, excited her appre- 
hension. She requested his father and sisters 
might be called ; but before they were all col- 
lected, the purified spirit had quietly passed 
away. Not a feature was discomposed — but he 
appeared to have fallen into a sweet sleep. 

He died on the eighteenth of the First month, 
1823, in the twenty-sixth year of his age. 



188 ANNE HARFORD LURY. 

The subject of the following memoir, Anne 
Harford Ltjry, was the daughter of John and 
Sarah Lury of Bristol, and was born on the 23d 
of the First month, 1796. 

She was of a retiring disposition, but possessed 
a kind and affectionate heart. A tenderness of 
conscience and scrupulous adherence to truth, 
marked her character in very early life. A few 
pieces which she then wrote, show the thought- 
ful habit of her mind, and induce the belief that 
even in childhood, she was frequently engaged in 
self-examination. 

About the close of the year 1808 she lost her 
dear father, an event which appears to have made 
a deep and lasting impression on her mind. In 
one of her memoranda, dated in the year 1811, 
she mentions his decease ; accompanied with a 
desire to meet on that angelic shore, where, in 
his Saviour's presence, she believed him to be par- 
taking of unmixed joy. At this time she appear- 
ed to be often engaged in religious meditation, 
in watching against the assaults of the enemy of 
her soul, and in seeking for ability to live in the 
fear of the Lord. 

In the year 1812, it pleased Divine Providence 
to visit her with a fever ; during the course of 
this illness, she passed through some mental exer- 
cise, which tended to bring her increasingly 
under the power of Redeeming Love. From this 
period it became more evident to those around 
her, that her thoughts were frequently abstracted 
from terrestrial objects and selfish considerations, 
and fixed on Him whom to know is life eternal ; 



ANNE HARFORD LURY. 189 

and that He was gradually drawing her nearer to 
himself. 

In 1816 her sister Maria was taken off by con- 
sumption, when about fourteen years of age. In 
a letter to a friend after this afflicting event, she 
mentioned that she found she must not dare to 
grieve, for it was the Lord's will ; and she be- 
lieved it was designed as a signal mercy to herself. 
In another letter she sa}^s, " My feelings and 
affections appeared to be superior to natural ties, 
and my heart seemed fixed on heaven, resolved on 
dedication. I felt death awful ; I thought I 
might be the next ; that this might only be the 
prelude to my own ; I cannot give thee an idea how 
I felt at the interment ; exquisite natural feeling, 
refined or checked by the command, ' Be still.' 
We had a very impressive opportunity. Nearly 
all the young Friends in Bristol attended, and I 
think every heart must have felt the occasion." 

From this time the health of Anne H. Lury 
became impaired, and she was much incapacitated 
for exertion, being frequently confined as an 
invalid. It is a pleasing and consoling reflection, 
that during the whole course of her illness, the 
early impressions of religious feeling were gradu- 
ally deepening, and the preparation for that awful 
change which a few short years were to produce, 
was proceeding in her heart. In some memoran- 
da made in the latter end of 1816, she says, in 
speaking of true religion : — 

" I understand it to be a faithful and willing 
following of our Lord and Saviour. I do believe 
that every sincere heart will be shown its respec- 
tive line of duty. My duty, I feel persuaded, is 



190 AHlfS HARFORD LURY. 

to be still and quietly wait for the salvation of the 
Lord. I do not entertain this opinion of duty 
from education or from prejudice ; but I feel it to 
be the will of God revealed in the secret of my 
soul. When blessed with this silence of all flesh, 
when self is laid in the deepest abasement, and I 
know no will of my own, no secret aspiration or 
desire but what the Divine influence immediately 
inspires, then and then only, do I feel perfect 
peace, and a blessed foretaste of the saints' rest. 

" I think it very dangerous for a tender mind 
to be searching different doctrines and controver- 
sies. I find that the enemy is sometimes endeav- 
ouring to stagger my faith, and on these points 
I have so great a disposition to reason, that I am 
afraid to take up a book of the kind. I do not 
at all approve of reading the sentiments of any 
particular sect and resting there; it is running 
without our Guide." 

After alluding to the baptism of the Spirit as 
the only saving baptism, and expressing her belief 
that those whose minds are enlightened would 
feast largely in stillness on the saints' communion, 
she adds, " they would need no outward ceremony, 
they would know that they might obtain redemp- 
tion and remission of sins, and acceptance with 
God the Father, through the merits and interces- 
sion of his Son Christ Jesus, the Saviour of the 
whole world, who gave himself for us, and died on 
the cross that we might obtain salvation. ■ Come 
unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 
and I will give you rest,' said Christ to the multi- 
tude. c Take my yoke upon you and learn of 
me, for 1 am meek and lowly in heart, and ye 



ANNE HARFORD LURY. 191 

shall find rest unto your souls : for my yoke is 
easy and my burden is light.' " 

In a memorandum dated Second month, 1817, 
she says : 

" I have often felt anxious to know what is real 
religion, and have entreated my heavenly Guide 
to lead me into it, however painful a surrender of 
heart and life may be, for I find that without it, 
there is no true and lasting peace to be found here, 
and no preparation for the enjoyment of the 
Divine presence in a state of perfect holiness 
hereafter. 

" I have at different times, been desirous to 
know whether that profession in which I have been 
educated is the right one for me to retain, or 
whether any other form of worship will be more 
acceptable to God from me. I believe my secret 
prayers were accepted by Him who knew the sin- 
cerity in which they were addressed. After 
waiting to be instructed, my desires are, at length, 
fully answered ; mine must be a religion of still- 
ness and total resignation of self; that whether 
the feeling of devotion excited be that of prayer, 
praise, gratitude or adoration, I must be immedi- 
ately influenced by the Spirit of Christ, before I 
can feel union and communion with my heavenly 
Father ; which, whether words are used or not, 
alone constitutes the essence of worship. I feel 
convinced, whatever the outward form of worship 
may be, the only true and acceptable offering is 
a sacrifice of the heart ; and the more I feel of a 
devotional spirit, the more I am led to be still, and 
not to look for instrumental aid ; for I feel that 
Christ, the inward Teacher and Comforter, is all- 



192 ANNE HARFORD LURY. 

sufficient, and that he is waiting to do me 
good." 

The disposition of this dear young Friend was 
so retired, that little was known of the state of her 
mind ; though enough remains of her memoranda 
to show that mental conflicts and discouragements 
at times attended her for the trial of her faith in 
Him, whom she was ultimately enabled fully to 
rely on as her stay and support, her Comforter 
and Redeemer, her only " Hope of glory." 

In the year 1820, the complaint from which 
she was suffering, advanced so greatly, that hope 
of her eventual recovery was no longer cherished. 
During this time she felt much consolation from 
religious meditation ; and she manifested a desire 
that those around her might be brought more ser- 
iously to consider their eternal interests. She oc- 
casionally disclosed her views of the vanity of all 
sublunary things, and the incomparable importance 
of those which were to endure through all eternity, 
pressing her friends to use all diligence to make 
their calling and election sure. 

On the 9th of the Eighth month, 1820, she said, 
" Mother, I wish to explain more fully my answer 
to thee the other day, respecting the state of my 
mind. About two weeks ago I felt myself so 
extremely ill and declining, that I apprehended I 
might not be afforded much more time. I then 
queried with myself, ' Am I in a fit state to meet 
perfect purity F I felt uncomfortable, and was 
made sensible of my extreme mental weakness. 
No human help was likely to avail me, no works 
of my own were at all availing. After some time 
I was made sensible that if I placed my reliance 
on the Redeemer, all would be well. The words, 



ANNE HARFORD LURY. 193 

4 Look unto me and be ye saved,' came forcibly 
into my mind. 

" Since that time I have been so happy, no one 
can tell or even think ; I want no outward sacra- 
ment ; at one time I thought there was a need of 
it. I have found great comfort in reading the 
Scriptures to myself; many times I have not 
been in a fit state to receive good, at others, when 
I have been uncomfortable or under discourage- 
ment, some beautiful passages have been present- 
ed, which were very consoling, such as ' The 
Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want ; he 
maketh me to lie down in green pastures, he lead- 
eth me beside the still waters.' ■ I will never 
leave thee nor forsake thee.' " 

About a week afterwards, writing to a friend, 
she says, " I hang almost between time and eter- 
nity ; every thing seems for the latter, but I 
know God is all-powerful, and may be pleased to 
restore me. I do not see the end fully, but I 
rely on Him. My anticipations of approaching 
beatitude are sweet and frequent, and more calm, 
more bright, than I can express. 

" In this awful moment, in past sickness, in 
comparative health, I have been taught that God 
is the best, the only safe Guide. To be a child of 
His, we must give up to do his will, at least to 
strive to do it, without reserve." 

The awful change from time to eternity, antici- 
pated in the above tetter, was yet distant about 
two months ; it occurred on the 28th of the Tenth 
month, 1820. On the day preceding, observing 
her sister, she said, " Sarah love, dear Sarah, I 
cannot enough impress on your minds the vanity 
17 



194 ANNE HARFORD LURY. 

and folly of the world ;" and repeated something 
to the same effect, when her younger sisters came 
into the room. During the few previous weeks 
she often spoke of the blissful state that awaited 
her ; and to one of her aunts, she observed, 
" Floods of bliss were in store for her." But it 
was not till the night previous to her death, that 
she felt at liberty to express her feelings : she 
then aroused in an unusual manner, describ- 
ing with animation, how happy and delightful 
her prospects were, and her gratitude to her Re- 
deemer for having thus early prepared her. " I 
impute," said she, " nothing to the creature, I 
impute all to the Creator ; I place all my hope of 
mercy in the merits of our Saviour, in faith in his 
birth, his miracles, his death, his resurrection and 
ascension, his mediation and redemption." Al- 
most in an ecstasy of pleasure, she said, " My 
prospects are bright, very bright; you may try to 
imagine, but you can have no conception of my 
delight." 

After having spoken for some time, she took an 
affectionate leave of several of her relatives indi- 
vidually. She requested to have the chapter of the 
Revelations read, containing the words, " What 
are these which are arrayed in white robes, and 
whence come they?" While the chapter was 
sought for, she fell asleep ; in which state she 
continued several hours, and at length without 
again speaking, quietly breathed her last. 



DAVID SUTTON. 195 

Although " Honourable age is not that which 
standeth in length of time, nor that which is mea- 
sured by number of years," yet " The hoary head 
is a crown of glory if it be found in the way of right- 
eousness," and there is something peculiarly encou- 
raging in the contemplation of the lives of such, 
as, throughout a very lengthened course, have 
been enabled, by the effectual working of Divine 
power, to run with patience the race set before 
them, and to hold out to the end in well-doing. 

Of this we have an instructive and animating 
instance in David Sutton of Newcastle-on-Tyne, 
who, from youth to the advanced age of 94, was 
enabled to walk in the fear of the Lord, to grow 
in religious experience, and in favour with his 
brethren in Christian fellowship. 

He was born at Scotby near Carlisle, and resi- 
ded with his parents until he was about twenty- 
five years of age ; when he removed to Newcastle 
for improvement in the line of his business, that 
of a house carpenter ; where he continued for a 
few months. During this period he became ac- 
quainted with Rebecca Moor; to whom, a few years 
afterwards, he was united in marriage, and finally 
settled in Newcastle. In the latter years of his life, 
he was sometimes led to admire the wisdom and 
goodness of Divine Providence, by whose interpo- 
sition and guidance he believed he had been led 
to this conclusion. It may be said of him, that 
having sought the Lord as his morning Light, he 
found Him to be a sure Guide, Director and Deli- 
verer, in his varied trials and difficulties ; and in 
his declining years, He was often the joyful theme 
of his evening song. When he left the parental 



196 DAVID SUTTON. 

roof for Newcastle, his father accompanied him on 
foot a few miles. When they parted David be- 
came very thoughtful : and proceeding a little 
onward, he stopped by the way side, where he 
was led to supplicate the Lord, like the patriarch 
of old ; beseeching that He would be with him 
whither he was going. His petition was graci- 
ously answered, the Divine blessing evidently 
attended him, and he became a valuable member 
of our religious Society. In 1773, he was ap- 
pointed by the monthly meeting to the stations of 
overseer and elder ; which important offices he 
continued usefully to fill, during the long period 
of fifty -six years : performing services incumbent 
upon those who occupy such stations, until within 
the last month of his life ; being favoured to re- 
tain his mental faculties, as well as his spiritual 
perception, with extraordinary strength and clear- 
ness. 

He was twice married. On occasion of the 
death of his first wife, he thus expresses his feel- 
ings : " T desire to be centred in resignation to 
the Divine will, being well satisfied that our loss 
is her eternal gain ; — that she mingles with kin- 
dred spirits ; the spirits of just men, made perfect 
through the blood of the Lamb ; — and unites in 
singing her Creator and Redeemer's praise. The 
earnest prayer of my mind is, that this deep afflic- 
tion may be sanctified to me ; that I may be ena- 
bled to live the few succeeding days which may 
be allotted me, so as to bring no stain upon the 
memory of the deceased, or reproach upon my 
profession ; but that I may be favoured to lay 
down my head in peace, as she hath done." 



DAVID SUTTON. 197 

He gave up business about thirty-two years 
before his decease ; but he was careful to guard 
against contracting a habit of inactivity and indo- 
lence, which in some cases creeps upon those who 
are similarly circumstanced. He spent much of 
his time in the exercise of gardening, which he 
believed contributed to the preservation of his 
mental as well as bodily vigour, and was almost 
daily engaged in kind and fatherly visits to his 
relations and friends ; many of whom were often 
edified and instructed by his counsel and example. 

He was diligent in his attendance of our religi- 
ous meetings for worship and discipline. In the 
maintenance of our discipline he was very useful ; 
knowing its value well : and being of a weighty, 
discerning spirit, he was a firm and upright pillar 
in the church. When required to deal with 
delinquents, the meekness, tenderness, and long- 
suffering which he evinced, united to much 
firmness and decision in support of our Christian 
testimonies, gained him the esteem and affection of 
many of those, who found the narrow path which 
he recommended, too strait for themselves to walk 
in. 

It was his frequent practice, on the approach of 
times of more than ordinary public excitement 
and temptation, to give an affectionate caution to 
his young Friends, to beware of being drawn aside 
from the paths of virtue, by giving way to the 
desire after vain sports or other improper indul- 
gences. This he occasionally did at the close of 
a meeting for worship ; and sometimes, in the 
fervency of his spirit, he would express some- 
thing of a more solemn nature. As an evidence 
17* 



198 DAVID SUTTON. 

of his pious zeal 5 evinced in this way, it may be 
mentioned, that in the summer of 1827, when in 
the ninety-first year of his age, he rose near the 
close of a forenoon meeting, and expressed him- 
self to the following import, viz. " The fathers, 
where are they ? the prophets, do they live for- 
ever ? The answer is, no ! Man that is born of a 
woman is of few days and full of trouble. He 
cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down : he 
fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not ; but 
the living eternal Word of God endureth forever. 
We have often heard this Word powerfully preach- 
ed among us, by the ministry of the Gospel. Let 
me entreat all, especially our dear young friends, 
to take diligent heed to this Eternal Word. It 
will guide you safely through life, and be your 
comfort in death : but if you neglect such great 
salvation, great will be your condemnation." 

Although our endeared Friend was favoured to 
attain to so great an age, he was not exempt from 
occasional illness ; and suffered from a tendency 
to dropsy in his legs, for the last forty years. 
About two years before his death, he was confined 
by illness to the house for several months ; and 
on this occasion, had an apprehension that his dis- 
solution was drawing near. The precious and 
heavenly sweetness that clothed his spirit and sea- 
soned his conversation, was instructive and edify- 
ing. He was enabled to confide in the mercy, and 
to taste the loving-kindness of his gracious God 
and Saviour ; and frequently was led to speak 
well of his name. From this illness he recovered, 
and was again permitted to join the assemblies of 
his brethren for Divine worship ; and was enabled 



DORCAS BROWN. 199 

to sit a monthly meeting till within a few weeks 
of his death, and to travel eight miles from home 
on a similar occasion, only a lew months previous. 

In his last illness, he was confined to his house 
for about five weeks ; and though at times his 
sufferings were great, through oppression in his 
breathing, yet he was serene and peaceful, and at 
times cheerful, though quite sensible that his end 
was approaching : his countenance beaming with 
love upon all around him. About nine hours 
before his decease, he requested that the 53rd 
chapter of Isaiah might be read to him ; evincing 
his firm reliance on the benefits of the Propitia- 
tory Sacrifice of Christ ; though he was then too 
weak for much expression. A while after, saying 
that he should soon be released, he fell into a 
gentle sleep and breathed his last ; his purified 
spirit taking its flight in the most peaceful manner, 
forever to dwell, we reverently trust, in the pres- 
ence of his Lord and Saviour. 

" Let the elders who rule well be accounted 
worthy of double honour ;" and we can in no way 
so truly honour their memory, as by cleaving to 
that faith, confiding in that power, and yielding 
to the influence of that grace, by which they thus 
obtained a good report; and through faith and 
patience inherit the promises. 



Dorcas Brown was the second wife of Richard 
Marks Brown, of Luton in Bedfordshire. They 
were united in the year 1812, when the maternal 
care of three children by a former connection, de- 



200 DORCAS BROWN. 

volved upon her. She was naturally of a diffident 
turn of mind, and very unassuming in her reli- 
gious character ; but she appears to have been 
diligent in her pursuit of the one thing needful, 
and exemplary in the performance of her duties 
to others ; so that in the hour of sickness and 
death, she was favoured with the consoling presence 
of Him whom she had humbly endeavoured to 
serve. 

She was much endeared to her children by her 
kind and affectionate behaviour, scrupulously en- 
deavouring to make no distinction between her 
own, six in number, and the elder branches of the 
family ; except by giving the preference to the 
latter. 

She was a diligent attender of meetings for wor- 
ship and discipline, not only on the first, but on 
other days of the week ; and for the accomplish- 
ment of this latter object, she had frequently to 
press through a crowd of outward concerns ; but 
there is cause to believe these sacrifices proved 
the means of her advancement in the way of holi- 
ness. It may truly be said of her, that " she was 
ready to do good, and willing to distribute ;" the 
poor found in her a kind and sympathising friend ; 
and she often privately administered to their wants, 
and freely gave up a portion of her time from her 
numerous family engagements, to unite in services 
of a charitable and benevolent kind. 

During an illness of nearly seven weeks, she 
was favoured with a remarkable degree of tran- 
quillity and resignation of mind ; and evinced the 
liveliness of her faith and hope by the following 
expressions. 



DORCAS BROWN. 201 

On Third-day morning, the 27th of First 
month, after a night of great quietude, she inquired 
the opinion of her medical attendant, saying : 
" Thou need not be afraid to tell me ; I feel no 
alarm." In the evening, her mind appeared 
largely to partake of Divine consolation and 
refreshment ; in the experience of which, she 
said : " I feel the love of my Heavenly Father 
flow in a manner that I cannot express : it appears 
marvellous that one so unworthy should be thus 
favoured. I feel an assurance beyond a doubt, 
that if I am removed all will be well, and an ad- 
mittance granted into the kingdom of rest and 
peace. I could not have expressed this a few days 
ago ; for though I hoped I felt resigned, I had not 
that evidence of which I am now a partaker. 
Blessed be the Almighty ! He has supported me in 
a wonderful manner ; and I believe He will enable 
me to keep hold of faith and patience to the end ; 
though it may be, that after this season of alto- 
gether unmerited favour, I may again be tried with 
the buffetings of the enemy ; but surely after what 
I have experienced, I cannot let go my confidence." 

She spoke with much affection of her husband 
and family, saying : " She was made willing to 
leave them ; though it was wisely hidden from 
her, whether she should recover or not. The 
issue was in His hands who doeth all things well." 

At several times she gave impressive counsel 
to her children, most affectionately exhorting the 
eldest to seek for best wisdom and direction, that 
she might be strengthened in the performance of 
the duties likely to devolve upon her. After this 
she said to her sister : " Dear sister ! I cannot 



202 DORCAS BROWN. 

express what I have felt this day of my Heavenly 
Father's love. xMagnified and adored be his holy 
name ! I cannot speak enough of his goodness. 
May all that is within me bless and praise him, 
for what he hath done for me. I scarcely believed 
it possible for any one to feel that sweet assu- 
rance, that I have been favoured with. There is 
nothing in the way ; every thing is removed ; 
and a certain evidence granted, that a glorious 
mansion is prepared for me, when this earthly 
tabernacle is dissolved. I cannot speak enough 
of his goodness, and unspeakable loving-kindness ! 
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul ! and all that is within 
me, bless his holy name !' It is out of my power 
to give utterance to one half of what I feel, of the 
goodness of my blessed Saviour ; nor did I think 
it possible for such a poor, unworthy creature to 
be so regarded ; that there is no room for any 
one to be discouraged ; but as they put their 
whole trust in Him, He will be near unto all as 
He has been unto me ; and will give them that 
peace which the world can neither give nor take 
away." She also said : " It was no wonder if 
dignified servants who had lon^ been devoted to 
their Master's service, should have triumphantly 
to rejoice at the solemn close ; but for her, who 
had done nothing, and was so totally unworthy, 
to feel such an extension of Divine regard, was 
marvellous indeed !" 

She took leave of her husband and children 
with entire composure ; giving the latter much 
instruction and advice, in a remarkably weighty 
manner. 

In the night she seemed filled with joy, and 



DORCAS BROWN. 203 

said : " She had nothing to do but to wait the 
Lord's time ; no cloud in the way. No ! I am 
assured that if I am taken this night, I shall be 
unspeakably happy." 

At another time she thus prayed : " Now Lord, 
if it be thy blessed will, take me to thyself. Thy 
servant is ready ; there does not appear any thing 
to keep me ; nothing to say or do that I know of; 
yet if thou shouldst see meet to continue me a 
while longer, grant me patience to wait thy time, 
until thou art pleased to say, ' It is enough.' O ! 
then stretch forth thine arms, and receive me to a 
mansion of glory." Then she said, " I have 
been a very sinful creature ; but my heavenly 
Father has been so good and gracious, that my 
sins have been made white as snow. He has cast 
them all behind his back ; so that none need to 
be discouraged ; for he can do for them as he 
hath done for me. I cannot speak enough of his 
goodness. I know not how this illness may ter- 
minate ; but if it be his blessed will, I had rather 
go ; there is nothing in the way. But if he 
should continue me a while longer, I hope to be 
resigned ; not knowing what further He may have 
for me to do ; but may I never forget his un- 
speakable loving-kindness as long as I have 
breath. 

At another time: "O this nice soft bed! de- 
lightfully easy it is ! 

1 Jesus can make a dying bed, 
As soft as downy pillows are :' " 

frequently saying those lines were verified in her 
experience. 



204 DORCAS BROWN. 

Fourth-day morning, the 28th. Her mind 
continued in a very favoured state ; but her bodily 
strength appearing to be rapidly on the decline ; 
she was advised to keep as still as he could : on 
which she said : " I want to tell my dear friends 
how much has been effected for me, — the work is 
great, but it has been made easy beyond what I 
could have conceived, — that they may place their 
trust in the same Divine power." To her medi- 
cal attendant, she then said : " I hope thou wilt 
be brought to this experience." 

At another opportunity she desired her husband 
not to grieve, but give her up freely, believing 
there never would be a time when she should be 
better prepared ; saying it was awful for her to 
look at returning to the world again, knowing the 
many snares and temptations that awaited us ; 
adding : " Death has no terrors, nor will the 
grave have any victory." She also repeated these 
lines : 

" God moves in amy sterious way, 
His wonders to perform : 
He plants his footsteps in the sea, 
And rides upon the storm." 

On Fifth-day, the 29th, she again expressed 
the peacefulness of her feelings and the sense of 
her own nnworthiness, adding : " ' For all I bless 
Thee ; most for the severe.' I have had many 
stripping seasons, have passed through many fears 
and doubts, before I attained to this confidence, 
this perfect confidence. I now feel, that I shall 
be favoured with an admittance within the pearl 
gates ; and if I may but be a doorkeeper in the 



DORCAS BROWN. 205 

house of my God, it is all I desire. The pros- 
pect of again meeting my near and dear connex- 
ions, in an endless eternity, is a glorious prospect. 
I could not express these things of myself. I have 
nothing of my own. I have frequently sat in 
meetings under such poverty of spirit, as to be 
ready to believe I was a hindrance to others re- 
ceiving good ; yet I have at times felt desires, 
though in much weakness, that myself and my 
dear husband might be preserved in sincerity and 
uprightness of heart, and be examples of true 
simplicity ; though I am sensible I have fallen 
short therein." She then expressed her desires 
for her family, particularly that they might expe- 
rience a growth in that which was good, be pre- 
served in true simplicity, and in love and harmony 
with each other, saying : " She believed her illness 
was permitted, not only for her own refinement, 
but that it was particularly designed for the in- 
struction and benefit of some of her family." 

She also remarked, that on a retrospection of 
her past life, she could see cause gratefully to 
acknowledge many remarkable instances of the 
superintending power and goodness of her Hea- 
venly Father ; and she had felt a strong desire, 
that whatever bodily affliction might be permitted 
to attend her, she might be favoured to have her 
faculties clear; which petition was mercifully 
granted to her throughout her illness. 

For several succeeding days, she expressed but 
little ; but a sweet serenity appeared to attend 
her, and her lips were several times seen to move, 
as if engaged in supplication. One of the chil- 
dren going to her bed-side, just before he went 
18 



206 DORCAS BROWN. 

to meeting, she reminded him that he was going 
to wait upon the Lord ; and that he must endea- 
vour to get into a right frame of mind to worship 
Him. 

To another she recommended self-examination, 
expressing her hope that she would every night, 
on going to bed, consider how she had spent the 
day, and if she had said or done any thing amiss, 
pray for forgiveness ; also that she would pay 
attention to what she read in the Bible ; and 
when she did not understand the meaning, pray 
that her Heavenly Father would be pleased to 
reveal to her understanding what was needful for 
her to know ; she would then find much comfort 
in reading the Scriptures as she passed through life. 

She presented each of her children with a Bible, 
accompanying the present with suitable counsel 
and instruction to each. She cautioned a near 
relation against being too much involved with the 
cares and incumbrances of business ; say gig, 
" There was much danger on that hand ; and that 
such things availed little when brought to a sick 
bed." 

From the fluctuating state of her disorder, a 
hope was sometimes expressed for her recovery, 
which she would gently repress; and when 
thought to be improving, the calm and undisturb- 
ed state of her mind, seemed to evince her depen- 
dence to be on the sure Foundation. She was 
clothed with universal love ; and in this happy 
state of mind, her bodily strength gradually sunk, 
and she peacefully and quietly breathed her last, 
on the 28th of Second month, 1829, aged 30 years. 



ISAAC MENNELL. 207 

Isaac Mennell was the son of Thomas and 
Dorothy Mennell, of Malton. In the early part 
of his life he went to sea, and passed through 
many of the trials incident to the life of a sailor. 
When nearly out of his apprenticeship, he was 
impressed, and taken on board a man-of-war, in 
which great pains were used, by promises of pro- 
motion, to induce him to remain, and abandon 
his religious principles, but he resisted these soli- 
citations ; and making his situation known to his 
friends, they exerted themselves on his behalf; 
and urging that he was one of the People called 
Quakers, and their well known scruple of con- 
science against war, on account of its inconsist- 
ency with Christianity, which breathes " peace 
on earth, and good will to men," they succeeded 
in obtaining his liberation. 

At another time he was shipwrecked near 
Memel, in the Plato, under his own command; 
but little being saved from the wreck, except his 
clothes and bed, and this having become impreg- 
nated with salt water, notwithstanding it was again 
carefully dried, afterwards contracted damp ; and 
by sleeping upon it, he took a rheumatic fever, 
which brought him, to all appearance, near to the 
grave. 

After this illness he returned no more to sea ; 
but a short time before his marriage with Martha, 
youngest daughter of Nathan and Mary Dearman, 
of Thorne, which took place in the year 1800, 
settled at Scarborough, as a linen and woollen 
draper; which business he continued to pursue 
during the remainder of his life; and, in conduct- 
ing it, his agreeable manners, combined with strict 



208 ISAAC MENNBLL. 

integrity and uprightness, gained for him the re- 
spect and esteem of all who were acquainted with 
him. 

He was an affectionate husband, and a tender 
parent ; a remarkably kind neighbour, and a true 
friend ; often proving himself to be such by kind- 
ly helping those who stood in need of assistance, 
in any way in which he could render it to them ; 
and he w r as careful, in his acts of charity, which 
were many, to attend to the sacred injunction, 
" When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand 
know what thy right hand doeth :" so that his 
liberality was comparatively little knowm till after 
his death ; when it appeared from numerous wit- 
nesses, that he had often extended a helping hand, 
not to the indigent only, but also to such as he 
apprehended were struggling with difficulties in 
other stations of life. 

As he advanced in years he became increas- 
ingly interested in the concerns of the religious 
Society of which he was a member, and also in 
those of societies and associations for the promo- 
tion of the best interests of mankind generally ; 
and took a usefully active part in them. 

A few months before his decease, he told one 
of his relations that he had, through the course 
of his life, made it a rule to attend to the apostolic 
injunction, " As much as in you lies, live peace- 
ably with all men ;" and to this end his care not 
to injure any, either by giving way to detraction 
or by spreading reports which might tend to 
lessen them in the estimation of others greatly 
contributed ; and he often checked these fertile 



ISAAC MENNELL. 209 

causes of strife, by discouraging them when they 
occurred in his presence. 

His last illness was a very trying one. For 
sixteen weeks he was unable to lie down, or in 
the slightest degree to recline in his chair, or to 
have his legs raised up ; and towards the latter 
part of his time, he had several attacks of excru- 
ciating pain from spasms at the chest. But he 
was enabled to bear all his trials and privations 
with Christian patience and resignation, and to 
witness them to be blessed to him. 

His life appeared to his fellow-men beautifully 
upright and consistent ; yet, in the early part of 
his illness, he was brought into great exercise of 
mind, and given to see with clearness, that, not- 
withstanding much comfort is to be derived from 
the recollection of those things which have been 
done aright, they nevertheless cannot recommend 
man to Divine mercy, nor justify him in the sight 
of his Creator ; because they are no more than 
our reasonable duty, and that as all men have in 
many ways sinned, and fallen short of the glory 
of God, there is therefore no other ground of 
hope, but through the propitiatory sacrifice of 
Christ, and the mercy of God offered to man for 
Christ's sake, on condition of repentance and 
faith in Him : and, after a season of deep humi- 
liation and conflict he was favoured to witness the 
efficacy of these means, and to receive a clear 
evidence in his mind, through the Holy Spirit, 
that all the transgressions of his past life were 
blotted out, and an entrance granted him into 
the regions of eternal bliss amongst all those who 
18* 



210 ISAAC MENNELL. 

" have washed their garments, and made them 
white in the blood of the Lamb." 

In the night of the 8th of the Twelfth month, 
1S28, his sufferings were very great; and he 
thought his end very near, and often spoke of it. 
At one time he said, " Three weeks ago, the pros- 
pect of leaving my dear wife and children was 
more than I could bear ; now it is as nothing." 
He addressed every individual of the family, in- 
cluding servants and apprentices ; and amongst 
much other excellent counsel, pressed upon the at- 
tention of each of them, the great importance of 
attending to the Light of Christ, in the secret of their 
own hearts, in order that they might be preserved 
from transgression, and enabled to walk in the 
way of salvation. He took an affectionate leave 
of them all, and also of his medical attendants ; to 
whom he extended the same counsel, and thanked 
them for their kindness and attention to him. 

On the 2nd of First month, 1829, after sitting 
a while in silence with a Friend whom he greatly 
esteemed, he spoke of the unmerited mercy which 
had been extended to him ; saying, many had 
been his omissions and commissions, and great 
his want of faithfulness to the manifestations of 
duty: he commemorated the condescending good- 
ness of the Most High, to one who felt himself to 
be so poor a creature ; and which had enabled 
him to give up his wife and children, and every 
other thing ; and again repeated : "It is all of 
mercy — unmerited mercy." 

At another time, when about retiring to rest, 
he requested those present to sit down ; and soon 
after, he prayed very earnestly for the preserva- 



ISAAC MENNELL. 211 

tion of his dear wife and family, and also for the 
servants. 

On the 10th he said to his wife, " I believe I 
have seen my passage clear. Whenever the 
change takes place, endeavour to be still and com- 
posed." On her afterwards asking him if he was 
comfortable, he replied, " Yes, very happy ;" and 
then said something respecting being of the true 
fold, which could not be distinctly collected on 
account of the weakness of his voice. 

At many other times, in the course of his ill- 
ness, he extended excellent counsel to his family 
and servants ; and the last time that his children 
were, at his particular request, collected about him, 
after expressing his feelings of tender love for 
every individual of them, in a very affectionate 
manner, he strongly recommended the frequent 
reading of the Holy Scriptures, and keeping to 
the principles of Friends ; in which he expressed 
his confidence, that great satisfaction as well as 
safety would be found. 

On the 16th of First month, when his wife was 
standing by him, he said, " Farewell, farewell all. 
I am very comfortable ; happy indeed !" And on 
the morning of the 17th, being asked by one of 
his sons, who was sitting up with him, if he felt 
comfortable, he replied, " Yes; very, very, very;" 
and soon after quietly expired, on the 17th of First 
month, 1829, aged 59 years ; leaving a consoling 
assurance on the minds of his relations, that he 
had quitted his afflicted tabernacle, to enter on a 
state of blessedness in that kingdom, where the 
redeemed of the Lord rejoice forever before Him. 



212 SARAH KNIGHT. 

Sarah Knight, daughter of Samuel and Mary 
Jesup, was born on the 22nd of Ninth month, 
1798. In the Fifth month of the following year 
her mother was removed by death, after an ill- 
ness of about two weeks ; during which time, in 
the prospect of her dissolution, she expressed her 
belief, that her two dear children would not be 
permitted to know the want of a mother's care. 

In the Eighth month, 1803, the surviving pa- 
rent took a second wife, upon whom devolved the 
interesting and important charge of the daughter, 
until she had attained the age of about thirteen 
years, after which time she passed two years at 
school. On her return home, she continued 
under the parental roof, until her marriage with 
Thomas Knight, of Colchester, in the Fifth month, 
1821. 

She was endowed with good natural abilities, 
possessed a remarkable quickness of perception, 
and great vivacity of temper. She was prone to 
indulge in a satirical mode of expression, and, not 
unfrequently was, in consequence, involved in dis- 
tress and self-condemnation. Her will was strong; 
and the conflict between the sinful tendencies of 
fallen nature, and the convictions of the Holy 
Spirit, with which she was mercifully favoured, 
was often great. She also keenly felt those re- 
straints, which her parents believed it their duty 
tenderly, though firmly, to enforce, frequently 
evincing compunction on account of the preva- 
lence of her vain propensities. 

In reference to this subject, an extract from a 
letter is here given, which she wrote in the year 
1818, to one of her young friends. 



SARAH KNIGHT. 213 

" If I had been but enough inclined to profit 
by advice on important subjects, I see and be- 
lieve, that ere this I should have missed many an 
hour of remorse and sorrow." After other ob- 
servations, she adds : " My heart seems to open 
unbidden, to pour forth its complaints to one, 
who though far before me, can yet condescend 
to turn back, and cast an eye of pity on those 
who, daily giving way to temptation, and seeing 
their errors, sometimes almost earnestly crave to 
be what their Creator intended them to be — a 
people not conformed to this world. Though we 
are not all called to the same work, yet we may 
all forward the great cause, by becoming preach- 
ers of righteousness in conduct and conversation." 

After her marriage, there is reason to believe 
that her mind was renewedly visited by Divine 
grace, and that she sincerely desired to fulfil the 
duties of her new and important station with pro- 
priety. 

In the spring of 1822, she became the mother 
of a little girl. She has often since been heard 
to remark, that her love of taste was too much 
suffered to prevail, instead of simplicity, in her 
views respecting this interesting charge. 

In the autumn of the same year, she was vis- 
ited with long and severe illness, which confined 
her for several months ; during which time she 
was deeply humbled, under a consideration of 
former unwatchfulness, and was led to desire, 
that greater circumspection might in future pre- 
vail. Yet, when favoured w T ith returning health, 
the force of these impressions, in degree, abated ; 
she still stumbled at the cross, and thus the 



214 SARAH KNIGHT. 

growth of the pure seed was retarded. But it 
pleased her Heavenly Father to follow her with 
his chastisements, and in the autumn of 1825 
she had another long and severe attack of illness, 
when her recovery appeared doubtful. Under 
this dispensation, deep instruction was sealed 
upon her mind ; and the truths of the Gospel 
were so mercifully unfolded, that the foundation 
was laid for that decided change of character, 
which was progressively developed during the 
remainder of her life. 

A memorandum, dated 5th of the Eleventh 
month, 1826, referring to this illness, was found 
after her decease, which is here introduced. 

" And now, oh ! how shall I commemorate the 
Almighty's gracious and wonderful condescension 
to me, who has plucked my feet, in degree, out 
of the mire and clay, and set them upon a rock ; 
and hath put a new song into my mouth, even 
praises to our God ! Humility and gratitude, I 
think I endeavour to pray for. It is now about 
twelve months since T lay ill of a brain fever, and 
the mercy and goodness I then experienced, may 
I never forget ! I think I then saw things too 
mighty for me to record now. Oh ! that I may 
not forget the vows I then made ; but rather, 
that I may pray daily for strength to fulfil them 
in the right time. 

The following letter also refers to the same 
period. 

" I confess to thee that I have been troubled 
with a reasoning mind ; and it pleased Infinite 
Wisdom, in His adorable mercy, when I was laid 
on that bed of sickness, which I hope and pray 



SARAH KNIGHT. 215 

I may never forget, clearly to unfold some of 
the mysteries which my poor weak nature had at 
times stumbled at ; and so clearly to point out 
the necessity and efficacy of the Saviour's atoning 
sacrifice, for otherwise lost, fallen man, that I can 
never describe how much my whole soul was 
wrapped in admiration and thanksgiving at the 
stupendous mercy. I was then instructed to see 
that it was not for me to attempt to dive into the 
why and the wherefore ; but that, without a 
Saviour or Redeemer, we had been lost forever ; 
and whoever is favoured to gain an admittance 
into the heavenly city, it will be through the 
redeeming power and atoning sacrifice of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 

From the time of her recovery, she appears to 
have been engaged in desire daily to maintain 
the warfare, and to press forward towards the 
mark for the prize of her high calling of God in 
Christ Jesus ; and that she might be enabled to 
surrender her will and affections to Him who 
had graciously visited her soul. She had for 
some years believed, that if she were faithful to 
manifested duty, it would be required of her 
publicly to espouse the Lord's cause ; and when 
the time drew near for this open and avowed 
dedication, the recollection of her former un- 
watchfulness and inconsistencies often humbled 
her spirit; and much fear pervaded her mind, 
lest she should move in such an awful work, be- 
fore she had endured the necessary baptism for 
the refinement and purification of the vessel. 
The exercises and conflicts of her mind on this 



216 SARAH KNIGHT. 

subject, are strikingly conveyed, in letters to two 
or three intimate friends, from which the follow- 
ing paragraphs are extracted. 

Ninth mo. 1826. " I wish to tell thee, I hope in 
great simplicity, that I have long, perhaps I 
might say for years, believed, that if I ever be- 
came what my Heavenly Father designed, I 
must occupy some conspicuous part in the church ; 
this my nature has always shrunk from, more than 
1 can describe. Much, very much dross remains 
yet to be taken away, before I can acceptably 
lift up a finger for the Law and the Testimony. 
I often think, how much more difficult it is to 
purify some vessels than others." 

Tenth mo. 1826. "Humility, faithfulness, and 
obedience, are what I do desire to pray for. Oh ! 
there are times when it seems as if it would be 
meat and drink to do the will of our Heavenly 
Father ; and I would almost say, I long for the 
right time to offer the sacrifice. Then again I faint, 
and am ready to beg to be excused ; and I believe 
I feel it harder than many, to give up my own 
strong, high will, and to be redeemed from the 
many hindering things, and, above all, the rea- 
sonings. The things I most fear are disobedience, 
with all its attendant darkness ; — the construing 
the workings of an active and nervously weak- 
ened imagination into a command, and so being 
almost worse than disobedient ; and the fear of 
man : But oh ! while I write, I feel as if nothing 
could be so sweet as the firm belief that T should 
be enabled ' to do thy will, O, God,' and therein 
to experience preservation." 



SARAH KNIGHT. 217 

On the 5th of the Eleventh month, 182G, she 
first appeared in the ministry in her own meeting 
at Colchester. The peace of mind which suc- 
ceeded this public act of dedication, is described 
in the following memorandum. 

" Oh ! what can I render to a very merciful 
Providence, for his goodness and condescension 
to such a worm as myself, amidst innumerable 
weaknesses and infirmities. On First-day morn- 
ing, the 5th of the Eleventh month, it pleased 
Infinite Wisdom first to call upon me to open my 
mouth in a meeting of Friends in this town. I 
stood up with these words: <A Saviour, or I 
die ; a Redeemer, or I perish forever.' And 
oh ! the flood of comfort I was permitted, in 
unmerited mercy, to feel poured into my poor 
mind ! Oh ! my soul, let me often recur to this 
time ; and never let me forget the condescending 
goodness of a merciful Redeemer. The conflict 
and exercise I had undergone, produced some 
indisposition ; but all feeling of bodily ailment 
was taken away, in the feeling of peace and hap- 
piness the heart enjoyed." 

The subjoined letters further portray her feel- 
ings relative to her call to the ministry. 

Eleventh mo. 6. " With respect to my own 
poor self, it is gratitude, humble, heartfelt gratitude, 
I desire to offer, and which I v trust I do feel a 
portion of. Pray that we may rejoice with trem- 
bling. Whilst I am writing, I afresh feel that it 
will only be by ' deaths oft,' that I can hope to 
obtain preservation ; so numerous are my weak- 
nesses and besetments. Oh ! who needs despair 
of the mercy of God through Christ Jesus, whilst 
19 



218 SARAH KXIGHT. 

1 can lift up my head in hope. Let me tell thee, 
that after a conflict which I cannot, dare not 
describe ; (and yet, I am ready to think, not more 
severe than on some former occasions,) how mer- 
cifully clear was the command, and strength 
vouchsafed beyond finite conception. Oh ! I 
can only say, marvellous loving-kindness ! abun- 
dant mercy ! making previous conflicts and suf- 
ferings all light, and comparatively nothing. I 
think I cannot close without saying, ' Great and 
marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty ; 
just and true are all thy ways, thou King of 
saints.' " 

Eleventh mo. " Oh ! if I could with sufficient 
gratitude acknowledge the transcendent excel- 
lency and ten-fold reward of endeavouring to 
perform the Divine will ! Whilst I write, I feel 
myself as a brand plucked from the burning, 
permitted to testify that it is so ; but I think I do 
desire to write cautiously. I often feel instructed 
in thinking of Peter's denial." 

From this time, until indisposition prevented 
her attendance of meetings, she was frequently 
engaged, in a weighty and impressive manner, 
to espouse her great Master's cause ; and there is 
ground to believe, that brief as was the period in 
which she was spared to the church, her dedica- 
tion to the service of her Lord will long be in- 
structively remembered by her friends. 

Having, in adorable mercy, been made sensible 
" that there is no joy to be compared with the 
joy of God's salvation," she felt an earnest solici- 
tude that her young friends might also be brought 



SARAH KNIGHT. 219 

to the same blessed experience ; and she was 
frequently engaged, both in public and private, 
in endeavouring to convince them how inexpres- 
sibly sweet and precious is that peace which is 
vouchsafed to those who yield submission to the 
yoke of Christ. The subjoined extract from a 
letter, evinces how much she desired to be con- 
formed to the Divine will, and that those who 
were associated with her might be subject unto it. 
" Let us remember, that to devote every talent 
and faculty to the service of a crucified Saviour, 
comprehends a great deal. Oh ! whilst I write, 
I feel how fearfully thy poor weak friend falls 
short. Have we not with sincerity supplicated 
at the footstool of Divine Grace, to be enabled to 
devote every talent and faculty to our Heavenly 
Father. Let us then trust, that as we are daily 
engaged to offer our petitions, we shall be ena- 
bled to see what is in the mixture, and to come 
out therefrom. I have of late been afresh con- 
vinced of the necessity of our coming out from 
the hindering things, as much and as often as 
possible, and endeavouring by prayer, to cast all 
crowns at the feet of the Divine Master. Me- 
thinks my dear friend will respond to the sigh I 
can but heave when I note this, feeling, as I do, 
my own extreme unwillingness to give up all that 
would gratify self, particularly in my pursuits 
and habits, conduct and conversation. — This 
afternoon, when we settled into silence, and it 
seemed as if there were a little true ability, al- 
though in much weakness, to cast ourselves at 
the footstool of Divine Mercy, clothed as we felt 
ourselves with infirmities, oh ! how convincing 



220 SARAH KNIGHT. 

was the feeling of the transcendent excellency of 
such holy quiet, of such heavenly calmness as we 
then felt : surely it warmed our hearts in a man- 
ner nothing earthly could ! Yes, and it afresh 
convinced us, that none of the things of time can 
satisfy the longings of an immortal mind." 

Her health, during the latter periods of her 
life, was very delicate, and she had frequent at- 
tacks of indisposition. These dispensations af- 
forded her much time for quiet retirement, and 
were undoubtedly mercifully intended for her 
instruction and refinement. The favoured state 
of her mind, under these privations, may be ga- 
thered from letters written during some of these 
seasons of trial ; from one of which the following 
is extracted. 

" Thou judgest rightly, that even bodily afflic- 
tions may be made subservient to our best good. 
May I experience this : I think I may say, with 
humble hope, that I have in degree experienced 
it. Many times, when my kind friends have 
expressed sympathy and concern for my priva- 
tions and illness, I have felt that I did not need 
it — that T had comfort and resources beyond 
every enjoyment that health only can bestow. 
Oh ! then, how can I evince my gratitude to so 
condescendingly gracious a God ? surely only by 
simple obedience. I have always found the 
enemy very busy at such times, in endeavouring 
to occupy the mind in too frivolous a manner ; 
and yet I should be truly ungrateful, if I did not 
acknowledge the heavenly, peaceful, sometimes 
almost rapturous seasons I have experienced ; 



SARAH KNIGHT. 221 

the consideration and acknowledgment of which, 
while I am writing, humbles me into the depths 
of insignificance. Mercy, unbounded mercy, I 
can indeed sing of; not but that, indeed, when 
taking a close scrutiny, I have to deplore time 
mis-spent, favours unnoticed, and tempers uncon- 
trolled. And yet, to be so favoured with quiet, 
peaceful, soul-sustaining feelings ! I often think, 
8 Oh ! could the worldling know,' &c." 

Her last illness, which commenced in the Tenth 
month, 1827, originated in taking a severe cold, 
which was followed by the rupture of a blood- 
vessel, an occurrence which had taken place once 
in a former illness. This was succeeded by an 
intermitting fever, which confined her to her bed 
for several weeks at a time, and which was never 
entirely subdued ; though she was for some time 
so much relieved from the severity of the attack, 
as to admit of her being brought down stairs, to 
spend some hours daily in the family. 

About the middle of the Fourth month, 1828, 
a great increase of debility, with symptoms de- 
cidedly consumptive, were so apparent as to 
occasion the most serious apprehensions in the 
minds of her affectionate husband and near con- 
nexions. She was at times able to enjoy the 
company of her friends, till within a few days of 
her decease, to some of whom she gave affection- 
ate counsel. She appeared during her long afflic- 
tion, to be gradually preparing for an eternal 
inheritance. 

On the 19th of the Fifth month, she said to a 
relation, " It must be through stupendous mercy, 
if ever I am permitted to enter into happiness." 
19* 



222 SARAH KNIGHT. 

On the 26th she said, " I clearly see I dare not 
trust in any thing short of the unmerited mercy 
of redeeming love : what a favour to get to this ! 
How peaceful I feel. Sometimes I am afraid I 
am too happy and peaceful; but I believe it is 
the enemy who tells me so." Seeing her hus- 
band deeply afflicted, she said : " We have found 
many hard things made easy. If I am taken, I 
have clearly seen that thou and the dear girl will 
be wonderfully supported." After some other 
remarks, she added, " All I have to do is to trust 
in the dear Son of God, who has forgiven me 
much." Her breathing becoming more difficult, 
she said, " Pray for me, dear Thomas — I know 
thou dost: pray for patience that I may not 
murmur. I have been mercifully dealt with : I 
have had but little suffering, but this is humili- 
ating indeed ; yet I can proclaim, all is in mercy. 
Through the unmerited mercy of the dear Re- 
deemer, I feel sweet peace. I hope it is not the 
enemy at work." In a few minutes she added, 
" Oh ! no, I feel it is not ; but I am assured it is 
substantial peace I feel." In the evening she took 
a calm farewell of her little girl ; but was much 
affected after she left the room. 

On the 27th, her father, brother, and one of 
her sisters, arrived at Colchester, when she ap- 
peared to be so far gone, that some hesitation was 
felt about introducing either of them into the sick 
chamber; but on her brother's entering the room, 
and sitting quietly out of sight, she asked who 
was present ; and on being informed, and that 
her father and sister were below, she expressed a 
wish to see them. 



SARAH KNIGHT. 223 

To her brother she said : " May we strive so 
to live, and so to walk, that we may all meet 
again." To her sister, " I charge thee, and I 
charge you all, seriously — tell the dear girls 
(meaning her other sisters) I charge them not to 
follow my example : tell them not to look to 
others for example, but to Him who has forgiven 
me. I regret that I set you such an example ; 
but, through the mercy of Jesus Christ our Savi- 
our, I am forgiven. He has forgiven much. I 
must testify of his goodness — mercy, mercy, is 
all I have to testify of." She afterwards inquired 
particularly after her sister's health, and said, 
" Take care of the poor body ; but, above all, 
take care of the immortal part." One present 
observed, in allusion to the dear invalid, " What 
a favour that the immortal part has been cared 
for." To which she replied, " Remember, I 
particularly wish to keep in view my peculiar 
unworthiness." 

In the course of this day she expressed a 
desire, that all her dear young friends might be 
instructed by her situation. " Tell them," said 
she, " that since Christ has visited my soul, I 
have experienced more true happiness than at 
any former period of my life. I was made sensi- 
ble, on this bed, three years ago, that Jesus Christ 
died for me, and for all, rich and poor." After- 
wards she said to a friend in attendance, " Dost 
not thou think the lamp is about going out?" 
who, in reply, alluded to the favour of her having 
a supply of oil in the vessel, and that, through 
redeeming mercy, the lamp would burn with 
greater lustre and brightness in the kingdom of 



224 SARAH KNIGHT. 

heaven. She answered, " It will, it will : it is 
all love and mercy." In the evening she was 
permitted to feel some relief from suffering, occa- 
sioned by the affection of her breath, and dis- 
tinctly said, " I can now say, not my will, but 
thine, O God, be done. Grant me, I pray thee, 
one of the lowest seats in thy kingdom — one of 
the lowest ;" adding, " O righteous Father, if this 
cup of suffering may not pass from me, except I 
drink it, not my will, but thine be done." 

A few hours before the close, she again said, 
" Pray for me that my patience may hold out to 
the end." A friend present was engaged to offer 
the vocal petition, for an easy passage and a happy 
dismissal from her state of suffering, when dear 
Sarah clasped her hands and exclaimed, " Amen 
and amen, saith my poor soul !" 

About a quarter of an hour previous to her 
dissolution, she said to one present, " My dear 
friend, I feel so happy in the prospect of futurity ! 
surely it cannot be wrong." Reply was made, 
" My dear, do not doubt." She answered, " I don't, 
I don't." 

A few minutes before her departure she re- 
quested to be turned on her side, after which 
she lay perfectly still. The gradually increasing 
shortness of her breathing only indicated the near 
approach of death, which occurred on Fourth-day 
morning, the 28th of Fifth month, 1828, when 
her redeemed spirit was permitted, we doubt not, 
to enter into the joy of her Lord. Aged about 
twenty-nine years. 

The memoir of this beloved friend appears 
calculated to afford, to the humble Christian, an 



THOMAS RICHARDSON. 225 

encouraging evidence of the sufficiency of Divine 
grace. Notwithstanding that her naturally vola- 
tile temperament and unbending will were pecu- 
liarly adverse to the increase of true religion in 
her heart, yet, through the power of redeeming 
love, she was enabled to obtain the victory, and 
in the trying hour of sickness, and in the awful 
prospect of death, was favoured with that hope 
which is " an anchor of the soul, both sure and 
steadfast;" and whilst humbled under the con- 
sciousness of her own unworthiness, was consoled 
with the evidence, that, through the mercy of the 
dear Redeemer, her sins were forgiven ; and with 
the belief, that an entrance would be ministered 
unto her into His everlasting kingdom. 



Thomas Richardson was born near Sunder- 
land in the year 1773, being the only child of 
Thomas and Frances Richardson, by whom he 
was brought up with much tender solicitude, .re- 
ceiving a judicious and guarded education, in 
accordance with the principles of our religious 
profession ; and there is good ground to believe 
that the Divine blessing attended their endea- 
vours. He appears to have been favoured in 
very early life, with the tendering visitations of 
Divine love, a remarkable proof of which occurred 
when he was only seven years of age, in the ex- 
pression which he then gave to the breathings of 
his soul for the good of others, in a paper which 
he addressed " To all Little Children ;" invit- 
ing those who had not yet become acquainted 



226 THOMAS RICHARDSON. 

with the voice which called Samuel, to endeavour 
to feel the presence of the Lord near, that he 
might show them, in the light of Jesus Christ, 
the way to everlasting life; and reminding them 
of the joy which it gave an apostle to find, " Chil- 
dren walking in the Truth." 

These sweet impressions appear to have been, 
from time to time, renewed. At the age of twelve 
years, the desire which was raised in his mind for 
the maintenance of a right concern in our assem- 
blies for Divine worship, is thus expressed : " At 
meeting this morning was brought to my remem- 
brance the command of the Lord, through His 
prophet, ' Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a 
fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the people.' 
I thought there was need for the trumpet to be 
sounded, to awaken us to diligence ; that we ought, 
at such times, to sanctify a fast to all outward 
thoughts, that we might make it a solemn assem- 
bly, and be gathered to that fountain of living wa- 
ter, w r here we may be refreshed." In reference to 
this period of his life he afterwards writes, " When 
about twelve years of age, and even for several 
years before, desires after good were raised in 
my mind ; but when about seventeen, religious 
impressions so far prevailed, that I became, in a 
good degree, devoted to the will of God. I then 
saw the necessity of daily waiting upon Him, for 
the holy influences of His pure Spirit." 

As he continued to cherish this frame of mind, 
the cause of truth and righteousness became very 
precious to him ; which was evinced by a humble 
circumspect life and conversation, by active endea- 
vours to promote the moral and spiritual welfare 



THOMAS RICHARDSON. 227 

of mankind, and especially by the devoted and 
faithful manner in which he rendered to the Soci- 
ety of which he was a member, such services as 
were presented to his view, as being in the line of 
his religious duty to perform. 

In the various relations of life, the meekness 
and kindness of his deportment, combined with 
an intelligent and cultivated mind, were such as 
greatly to endear him to his family and friends ; 
and the religious sensibility which pervaded his 
mind, frequently shone forth instructively to those 
who enjoyed the privilege of social intercourse 
with him. Conspicuous also, was his grateful and 
humble sense of the goodness of his beneficent 
Creator, both spiritually and temporally extended 
to him. Jn 1799, he was united in marriage to 
Elizabeth Backhouse, of Darlington, who still 
survives him ; and in 1805, he writes thus in his 
diary : a Abundant have been the favours and 
mercies of Providence to me, all my life long, for 
which I desire to be sufficiently thankful. That 
I may be enabled to walk acceptably before my 
gracious Creator, for the remainder of my days, 
is my earnest desire ; and for my dearly beloved 
wife and children the same solicitude fills my 
heart ,* that as we have been blessed together in 
time, we may be blessed together in a glorious and 
happy eternity." 

In the year 1806 he was appointed to the sta- 
tion of an overseer in our religious Society, and in 
1814, he was acknowledged as a minister. His 
first public communication in that capacity was 
in 1811, being a sweet exhortation to his young 
friends to walk " in the fear of the Lord." He 



228 THOMAS RICHARDSON. 

was concerned to occupy with the gift committed 
to him diligently and faithfully, and he became an 
able minister of the gospel of our Lord and Savi- 
our Jesus Christ. 

His desires were earnest, to use his own lan- 
guage, that it might be his daily concern to dwell 
so near the fountain of divine good, as to be able 
to distinguish its genuine streams, and to be car- 
ried along thereby in all his religious exercises ; 
and that he might come up, with a degree of holy 
stability, to the standard which he had been ena- 
bled to support ; but this, he was well aware, 
could only be the case, as he was clothed with the 
whole armour of God. 

He was greatly concerned that he might minis- 
ter in the ability which God giveth, carefully wait- 
ing in His holy fear. On one occasion he writes, 
" I feel a renewed solicitude that the sacred cause 
may never suffer through me, as a weak advocate." 
Again he writes, " At meeting, near the close, I 
had a gentle draught to express a few sentences, 
to which I yielded ; being desirous whenever I 
may take a retrospective view, to be able to adopt 
the language, ' Lo, I have not refrained my lips ; 
I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart, O 
Lord, thou knowest!' I have, according to my mea 
sure, ' preached righteousness (even) in the great 
congregation !' may I be increasingly vigilant and 
careful that my day's- work may keep pace with 
the day, and that I may be always ready !" But 
whilst thus desirous of being found faithful, he 
also felt the necessity of standing in resignation 
to the will of Him, who is the head over all things 
to his church, having at times to experience, even 



, 



THOMAS RICHARDSON. 229 

the condition of an ambassador in bonds. On one 
such occasion, he writes in allusion to the last 
time he had been engaged in the capacity of a 
minister, " I have not since felt an impression of 
duty to speak, but often a sense of my unfitness 
for the work. The prayer of my heart has been, 
that no individual of the congregation with which 
I meet, may suffer from my continued silence, 
that the Father of mercies, and God of all conso- 
lation, may supply every one's need, through 
Jesus Christ to the glory of his own power." 

Not long before the commencement of his pro- 
tracted indisposition, a deeper baptism awaited 
him, which he thus describes. — " 15th of Ninth 
month, 1833. After a long season of deep de- 
pression and inward poverty, in which there has 
not for many weeks, been ability experienced to 
minister in any of our religious meetings, (on the 
contrary my mind has been, in various ways toss- 
ed and tried) I have been encouraged to believe 
that if this dispensation be rightly abode in, it 
may contribute to my spiritual benefit : and, 
possibly, be the means of preparing me for some 
future usefulness ; as it may tend to deepen and 
refine, under his blessing who changed the water 
into wine, and is able to sanctify every cup : and 
to change that which is comparable to mere water, 
into the wine of the kingdom, blessed be His 
name forever ! The language which seemed to 
carry consolation to my heart, this afternoon, was 
that of the Holy One by his prophet Isaiah : ' Oh 
thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not com- 
forted, behold I will lay thy stones with fair colours, 
and thy foundations with sapphires. In right- 
20 



230 THOMAS RICHARDSON. 

eousness shalt thou be established. Thou shalt 
be far from oppression, for thou shalt not fear : 
and from terror, for it shall not come near thee !" 
This consoling promise was afterwards abundantly 
verified in his blessed experience. 

In the autumn of 1833, he had an attack of 
severe indisposition, and was confined for a con- 
siderable time to his bed ; but although this ill- 
ness much affected his bodily frame, he was fa- 
voured to be preserved in cheerfulness and serenity 
of mind ; and after a confinement of several 
months, he was so far restored as to be generally 
able to attend our meeting for worship, until 
within ten days of his decease ; on many of these 
occasions labouring earnestly and affectionately in 
the love of the gospel. 

In the last meeting he attended, he was engaged 
in ministry, addressed especially to the youth : 
(that class of society which had been the object 
of his earliest solicitude :) entreating them in a 
striking and emphatic manner, to surrender their 
hearts to the Lord's service ; reviving the words 
of Solomon, ' Remember now thy Creator, in 
the days of thy youth ;' reminding them that 
they knew not when the undeniable messenger 
may be sent, for, ' At such an hour as ye think 
not, the Son of Man cometh.' u Oh," said he, 
" how has my soul longed and prayed for those 
present that, ' Our sons may be as plants grown 
up in their youth ; and that our daughters may 
be as corner stones, polished after the similitude 
of a palace.' " He entreated his young friends to 
give up early : for the Lord loveth an early sacri- 
fice ,* and he impressively declared, that in the 



THOMAS RICHARDSON. 231 

whole course of his life, he had never heard or 
read of any however old, who thought they had 
begun the work of religion too soon ; " for," said he, 
" it will be found to be the guide of youth ; the stay 
and support of the meridian of life, and the solace 
of old age, to those who are permitted to attain to 
that period." He was then led into a beautiful 
and instructive illustration of the parable of the 
prodigal son, contrasting the condition of him to 
whom the Father addressed the endearing lan- 
guage, " Son thou art ever with me, and all that 
I have is thine," with the deplorable condition 
which the other had to endure, until, in humility 
and penitential sorrow, he was made willing to re- 
turn to his father's house. In conclusion he said, 
in a most impressive manner, " Oh, may you 
meditate on these things ! What encouragement it 
should be to us to remember that even the angels 
mark with interest our actions here below ; see- 
ing we are told there is joy in heaven over one 
sinner that repenteth. What an incitement to us 
is this, that the sincere repentance of one poor 
miserable sinner, however obscure, and unknown, 
or it may be despised among- men, increases even 
the joy in Heaven ! I do most earnestly entreat 
that none may neglect or delay the great work of 
repentance toward God ; this being the first step 
in their progress towards that heavenly city, where 
the ransomed and redeemed of all generations, 
having come out of great tribulation, and washed 
their robes, and made them white in the blood of 
the Lamb, shall unite in ascribing glory and hon- 
our, thanksgiving and praise unto Him that sitteth 
upon the Throne, and unto the Lamb forever- 



232 THOMAS RICHARDSON. 

more." Thus was our dear friend preserved with 
his loins girt about with the girdle of Truth, hav- 
ing his lamp burning, and although his ministerial 
labours were chiefly confined to within the com- 
pass of the Quarterly Meeting of which he was a 
member, yet, when he was so engaged, it was to 
the comfort and edification of his friends ; and in 
the life, power and right authority of the gospel. 

On one occasion during his long illness, he 
thus expressed himself, " As I turn over in my 
mind, the events of the present and previous 
months, they do appear to me extraordinary ! 

' God moves in a mysterious way, 
His wonders to perform ! 
He plants his footsteps in the sea, 
And rides upon the storm.' 

" Whilst Divine Providence works by secondary 
causes, there is an arm underneath, that suffers 
not the fowls which fly in the air, not even a spar- 
row to fall to the ground unnoticed by him. 
There is an Omnipotence which numbereth the 
hairs of our heads ; and, surely, in the course of 
his often mysterious providence, there are events 
intended to act upon us, as the furnace on the 
metal, to take away the dross, and leave nothing 
but the pure gold. Oh ! my belief is, — my humble 
belief, — that were the gold thus purified, it would 
be formed into a vessel for the Master's use ; a 
vessel on which holiness would be inscribed, not 
to the praise of the creature, but to the honour of 
his own ever excellent name !" Again referring 
to his disorder, he said, " I know not how it may 



THOMAS RICHARDSOX. 233 

terminate — it may be the breaking up of the 
earthly tabernacle — at least, it seems, as regards 
myself, a thinning of the barrier between the pre- 
sent and the eternal world ! For w^eeks, if not 
months before the awful visitation, in which the an- 
gel of death seemed to be sent to our dwelling, I 
had sat meeting after meeting in deep abasement — 
in nothingness — in a state of total inability to utter 
a word, either of counsel or encouragement, in that 
cause which I sincerely loved and desired to pro- 
mote. I have seen large meetings assemble, and 
have seen the company depart, feeling desirous of 
their welfare, but without having a word to ex- 
press to any one ! But when T came to be laid on 
this bed of sickness and looked toward an eternal 
state, and was desirous of knowing a preparation 
for it, O ! Divine mercy never to be forgotten, 
ever to be remembered by me, as long as life, and 
sense, and breath continue ! oh ! infinite mercy ! 
immeasurable love ! the clouds which had been 
on my tabernacle all seemed to be rolled away ! 
Nothing remained but light, and love, and grati- 
tude ! Convinced I was, that it is of his mercy he 
saveth us, by the ' washing of regeneration, and 
renewing of the Holy Ghost,' that it is all of 
mercy, not of works, lest any man should boast. 
That if w r e are created anew, it is in mercy, all of 
mercy ; if we are favoured to know our names 
w T ritten in the Lamb's book of life, and that our 
sins do not appear against us, it is through the 
atoning blood of Christ, our great High Priest, 
who ever liveth and maketh intercession for us. 

" But having premised so much respecting works, 
there seemed to pour into my mind a flood of 
20* 



234 THOMAS RICHARDSON. 

consolation, not forgetting my short-comings, or 
the days of forgetful ness, which have been many, 
or how much better it might have been, had I 
been more dedicated, (I need not say earlier, for 
from a child I loved the Lord : but then my love 
was not steady, not uniform : I was too early 
drawn aside by other objects,) it appeared to me 
that all I had done was very little in comparison 
with many others ; that it was but like having 
worked the one hour in the vineyard, yet that that 
was graciously accepted. 

" In time of health, the breathing of my soul had 
been to the Searcher of hearts, Oh Lord ! reduce 
me as thou wilt, only make me thine ! and this 
came up into remembrance before God. I could 
feel the assurance of faith, that ' whether we live, 
we live unto the Lord, and whether we die, we die 
unto the Lord : whether we live, therefore, or 
die, we are the Lord's'. Oh ! the consolation of 
this belief: it appeared to me that, if I continued 
on the foundation, I should live unto him, and 
that, if I died, I died unto him ; and should be 
with him forever ! Oh ! we have a good Mas- 
ter to serve; that I want to encourage you to 
press forward to receive the eternal recompense 
of reward, exceeding all we can do or suffer, in 
an infinite degree ! It is not, I am persuaded, to 
stand at a distance, and cry Lord ! Lord ! and not 
doing the Divine will, which will do for us — it is 
not the hearer of the law, but the doer of it, who 
is justified before God: and may this visitation 
incite us to lose no time in pursuing those things 
which make for peace, that we may be enabled 
rightly to fill up our places in the militant church ; 



THOMAS WILLIAMS. 235 

and be prepared, when done with time, to join 
the church triumphant in Heaven — prepared to 
enter in through the gates into the city; and 
permitted to unite with those who say, " Worthy 
is- the Lamb that was slain, to receive blessing, 
and honour, and glory, and power, for he hath 
loved us, and washed us from our sins, in His 
own precious blood, and redeemed us unto God ; 
and made us kings and priests, and prepared us 
to reign with him, who is blessed forever !" 

The period at length arrived when the awful 
change which our beloved friend was enabled thus 
joyfully to anticipate was realised. It came upon 
him somewhat suddenly at last, accompanied by 
symptoms of apoplexy. As his end approached 
his last moments were passed in great tranquillity ; 
and, in him, we are forcibly reminded of the lan- 
guage of the Psalmist, " Mark the perfect man, 
and behold the upright, for the end of that man 
is peace" 

He died on the 29th of Tenth month, 1835, 
aged about sixty-two years. 



Thomas Williams, son of Henry and Eleanor 
Williams, of Ramsgate, was, from very early 
youth, religiously inclined. He was apprenticed 
to a Friend : and during his minority became 
strongly attached to the principles of our Society, 
and applied for membership to Rochester Monthly 
Meeting, within the compass of which his master 
resided. His request was complied with ; and 
throughout the remaining portion of his life, he 



236 THOMAS WILLIAMS. 

highly prized the privilege of this fellowship. 
After the expiration of his apprenticeship, he 
remained some time longer with the Friend whom 
he had served ; and then removed to Croydon, 
where he entered into business, in the year 1828. 

As a tradesman, he was consistent and exem- 
plary ; his uprightness and integrity gaining him 
the respect of his neighbours and acquaintance. 
He was diligent and attentive in his business : 
yet evinced that he was at the same time seeking 
a better inheritance than this world can give. 
He was by trade a retail chemist and druggist ; 
and although his property was very limited, he did 
not allow his outward engagements to prevent 
his attending meetings, both on First and other 
days. 

The illness which terminated his life, was, dur- 
ing the last few weeks of its course, rapid in its 
progress. His mind was preserved in great 
calmness and composure ; and the expressions 
which were noted down, tend to confirm the 
assurance, that through the mercy of God in 
Christ Jesus our Lord, his spirit, when released 
from the bonds of mortality, was joyfully gathered 
to the just of all generations. 

A few days before his close, he remarked to 
one of his sisters, " What an unspeakable favour 
it is to be a member of our religious Society !" 
and expressed regret, that many should possess 
this privilege without valuing it sufficiently. He 
told his mother he was not afraid to die ; that he 
hoped through mercy he should be taken from 
the trials of life to a place of rest; adding, "All 
will be well either way." To a Friend who 



TII031AS WILLIAMS. 237 

frequently called upon him, he remarked, with 
much sweetness, that he hoped he was not pre- 
suming too much ; but he thought he could adopt 
the language of John Woolman : " O, my Father ! 
my Father ! how comfortable art thou to my soul 
at his trying season !" adding, * s I feel such peace 
— such sweet peace." 

He frequently spoke of his decease with great 
composure ; and expressed his desires respecting 
some arrangements w 7 hich he wished to be made, 
if that event should take place. On one occasion, 
when he felt extremely weak, he said, "I hope I 
shall have patience : it is rather trying to nature 
not to see the event ; but there" — (as if checking 
himself for this expresssion) — "Providence is 
abundantly kind." When taking his medicine, 
he would frequently smile and say, " Even my 
medicine is sweet to me." 

On the 6th of Sixth month, he received a fare- 
well visit from two friends whom he highly es- 
teemed ; and in reply to some observations which 
had been made, he said to them, " I have not 
been what I ought ; but through mercy I feel 
that precious union and communion with Infinite 
Love, — or rather grafted into the Spirit of Love, 
— that I do not doubt." He appeared to be 
remarkably imbued with love, and to have selfish 
feelings subdued ; and experienced, as he ex- 
pressed himself — " J annihilated, and Love im- 
planted." 

During the seventh, he sweetly referred to the 
character of our Lord, who was tempted as we 
are, yet without sin ; and added, " Oh ! that my 
temptations may be without sin !" On the fol- 



238 THOMAS WILLIAMS. 

lowing day he remarked, " O, what a blessed 
thing it is to be a Quaker ! and how few know 
it ! O the goodness and mercy of God have been 
very great towards me." After recovering from 
much exhaustion and faintness, he was heard to 
be engaged in supplication : " Oh gracious Lord, 
grant me patience. Preserve me from temptation. 
Oh ! gracious Lord, let me not sin against thee in 
my weakness." 

Seeing his mother and sisters around him, he 
looked at them separately, and, smiling very 
affectionately, said, " All looks pleasant : 1 would 
long, if I dared ;" and, afterwards added, "May 
the blessings of Heaven, which have been so 
abundantly showered down upon me from the 
beginning, descend upon you !" On recovering 
from another fainting fit, he said, " O what a 
blessed thing it was ! in one moment more I 
thought I should have been in eternity : — one lit- 
tle struggle." 

After the visit of his physician on this day, he 
inquired what his opinion of him was 1 and on 
being told, that he was considered to be worse, 
he said to his mother and sisters, " Pray for me, 
dears, that in my weakness I may not be assailed 
by temptation. I have a most pleasant prospect ; 
but I hope I shall be able to bear what He may 
be pleased to lay upon me first. What some 
poor creatures suffer without the consolations of 
religion! What an unspeakable favour to be 
brought under its influence, and to know it truly ! 
O, of unutterable value !" 

As he was sitting up in bed, his sister remarked, 
that it was pleasant to see him smile. " Yes," 



RACHEL FOWLER. 239 

said he, " I do smile ; though I do not feel quite 
so clear as I wish : the things of the world will 
pass before me ; yet as I do not willingly sin, and 
my great weakness is not a fault, I hope I have 
no cause but to smile." During the night pre- 
vious to his close, he was greatly exhausted from 
continued fainting fits ; and on recovering from 
one of them, his countenance beaming with joyful 
anticipation, he said, " O how beautiful ! Just at 
the gates ! and saw the beautiful company ! O 
how unspeakably beautiful ! I was just at the 
gates ; but could not get in ; could not break the 
silver cord, though only a thread. What a dis- 
appointment ! O how unspeakably beautiful ! And 
now for patience to wait a little longer !" A short 
time before his close, on the 9th of Sixth month, 
1833, he fixed his eyes on his mother, and made 
an effort to say, " Farewell ;" then on each of his 
sisters; and soon afterwards quietly and peace- 
fully expired, in the 28th year of his age. 



Rachel Fowler, daughter of John and Han- 
nah Barnard, was born at Upperthorpe, near 
Sheffield, the 9th of the Eleventh month, 1767. 
She appears, even in childhood, to have been fa- 
voured with religious impressions, and in some 
remarks written in after life, alludes to the secret 
manifestations of a Saviour's love, which she was 
thus early permitted to feel ; her mind was at 
times so powerfully touched by the visitations of 
Divine Grace, that she was often, during the 



240 RACHEL FOWLER. 

silent part of meetings, much tendered in spirit ; 
and so lasting were the impressions then received, 
that they were never wholly effaced. 

The following extracts from her memoranda, 
will portray the state of her mind as she advanced 
in life : 

"About the 18th year of my age I became 
more thoughtful, and felt increasingly anxious to 
be directed into the way that was acceptable in 
the Divine sight ; for in all speculative reasoning 
I felt a vacuum, and always believed that the ut- 
most attainment of human reason, is to know, 
that finite minds cannot comprehend Infinity ; 
and that the more we know, the more we shall be 
penetrated with a knowledge of our own feeble- 
ness. For some time my mind remained tossed 
and not comforted. About the 19th year of my 
age, whilst in London at the time of the Yearly 
Meeting, I was present at a religious opportunity 
in the family where I was staying, when a dear 
friend very affectionately addressed me in Gospel 
love, inviting me to forsake lying vanities, and 
wait for, and obey the intimations of Truth in- 
wardly revealed. For a time my spirit was 
melted within me, and I firmly resolved, that if 
the Lord would but support me, let others do as 
they might, I would seek more singly to serve 
Him ; and that secret covenant was, I trust, 
never wholly broken ; though for want of more 
faithfulness and simplicity, I am still but a dwarf 
in the best knowledge. I wished to conceal 
my religious feelings, and too much in conduct 
resembled Nicodemus ; but my mistakes on this 
hand have arisen more from a fear of being 



RACHEL FOWLER. 241 

a dishonour to the blessed cause of Truth, than 
from being ashamed to acknowledge Christ be- 
fore men." Having been favoured in some de- 
gree to appreciate the benefits of retirement, she 
became regularly in the practice of waiting in the 
morning to seek for preservation through the day, 
and retiring again in the evening to feel after " the 
Rock of her strength." The promise that " they 
that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength," 
was often verified in our beloved friend's expe- 
rience. In speaking of one of these evening re- 
tirements, she says, " My mind was remarkably 
humbled, and the favour extended brought into 
subjection every obtruding thought, so that for a 
short time a ray of ineffable sweetness covered 
my mind, under which I could reverently acknow- 
ledge, surely this must be permitted as a foretaste 
of the feelings of purified spirits hereafter ; and 
on account of this unmerited favour, I was then 
capable, and have at times since desired, feeling- 
ly to adopt the language of, " Bless the Lord, O 
my soul, and all that is within me, bless his Holy 
name." She had frequently to pass through 
mental conflict, but felt restrained from telling 
her experience to any, choosing (to use her own 
words,) " rather to sit at the feet of Jesus." " In 
this state," she continues, " I remained for some 
years, endeavouring secretly to learn the Divine 
law ; yet often having to mourn over my own un- 
watchfulness." 

On the 19th of the Eighth month, 1790, she 

was united in marriage to our late friend Robert 

Fowler, who was a man remarkably devoted to 

the service of God, and they resided in the com- 

21 



242 RACHEL FOWLER. 

pass of Melksham Meeting the remainder of their 
days. In the 26th year of her age, at a meeting 
at Birmingham, she first appeared as a minister; 
and in allusion to her subsequent feelings, says, 
" A degree of holy calm spread over my mind — 
and during the course of the day I was favoured 
with sweet peace." In the exercise of her gift, 
she was concerned reverently to wait for the re- 
newed puttings forth and guidance of the Holy 
Spirit, and having been taught in the school of 
Christ, she became an able minister of the Gospel. 
She was a diligent reader of the Holy Scriptures, 
and was strengthened in a clear and instructive 
manner to enlarge upon them to the edification 
and comfort of others. Although not engaged to 
travel much in the work of the ministry, she at 
different times left her home, visiting in the love 
of the Gospel, the meetings of Friends in several 
parts of England, and in 1823 she visited some 
meetings in Ireland. 

In the year 1825 this dear friend became a 
widow. Few could have more to lose in being de- 
prived of the dearest companion in life, yet she was 
strengthened to bear this sore bereavement with 
much exemplary Christian submission, and to evi- 
dence her continued dedication to the service of her 
Lord. In 1828 she visited the meetings of Friends 
in Scotland, and some of those in the northern 
counties of England, much to the comfort and 
edification of those amongst whom she was thus 
constrained to labour in the love of the Gospel. 

In the year 1830, our dear friend met with an 
accident, which was the apparent cause of long 
and acute suffering, and ultimately of her death ; 



RACHEL FOWLER. 243 

the remedies used never yielding more than tem- 
porary relief. At this period her mind was deep- 
ly impressed with the precarious tenure on which 
hang all temporal things ; and she sought to be, 
in all respects, ready for the summons to appear 
before the Judge of quick and dead. On one 
occasion, making some arrangements respecting 
her outward concerns, she thus writes in reference 
to her children : " I wish most affectionately to 
say ' Farewell' to each of my tenderly beloved 
children ; — and may the Lord bless you ! Perhaps 
I may be allowed to add, that though never very- 
anxious about earthly treasure, yet my heart has 
for you most earnestly and above all things de- 
sired, that you might be preserved in the Divine 
fear ; and at times I trust I have been enabled to 
supplicate for you the directing, preserving, and 
protecting influence of the grace of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. 

" In this awful hour, a confident belief is in 
mercy granted, that if watchful, my beloved chil- 
dren will be increasingly strengthened to follow 
the law of Redeeming Love, and in their several 
degrees, to tread in the footsteps of their emi- 
nently pious father, respecting whom it may truly 
be said, that he endeavoured sincerely to be found 
amongst the humble followers of a self-denying 
and crucified Lord." 

In the summer of 1832 her health was so far 
restored, that she laid before the Monthly Meet- 
ing of which she was a member, a concern 
which had for many years occupied her mind, 
to pay a visit to the meetings of Friends in 
Norfolk, and the families of Friends in Nor- 



244 RACHEL FOWLER. 

wich. Near sympathy was felt and expressed, 
and she was set at liberty for that service, with 
the full unity of her friends. In her subsequent 
illness she reverted to the accomplishment of this 
visit with feelings of thankfulness, it having been 
productive of great peace and satisfaction to her 
mind ; but the exercise both mental and bodily 
which she underwent, tended considerably to in- 
crease the unfavourable symptoms of the dis- 
order. This effect was also greatly aggravated 
by a most afflictive event which occurred about 
this time, in the death of her youngest son, Rob- 
ert, after a short illness, at Avignon, in the South 
of France. The state of her mind under this 
heavy trial, as well as the rapid progress of her 
complaint, will be best shown by an extract from 
her memoranda : 

" Alas ! this year commences under the pres- 
sure of deep sorrow; — may deepest resignation to 
the Divene will in all things, be mercifully grant- 
ed to a poor unworthy suppliant. — Oh ! blessed 
Redeemer, look down ; yet support my drooping 
mind." Notwithstanding these afflictions, our dear 
friend continued very exemplary in attending meet- 
ings, in which her communications were much to 
the comfort and edification of her friends. 

In the Second month, 1833, she went for some 
time into the neighbourhood of London, with a 
view of obtaining further medical assistance, and, 
if possible, some relief from pain; but the symp- 
toms then became decidedly unfavourable; and in 
the Sixth month she returned home, fully aware 
of the fatal nature of the disorder ; with entire 
reliance on the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, 



RACHEL FOWLER. 245 

she was enabled to behold without dismay, the 
certain approach of death ; and to her we trust 
might be applied the words of the apostle, 
" Though our outward man perish, yet the in- 
ward man is renewed day by day." The patience 
with which she was enabled to endure extreme 
bodily suffering was very striking, and at times, 
when in some degree relieved from pain, she 
would smile on those around her ; and on one 
of these occasions said, " What a mercy to be 
free from agony, but what a favour to be permit- 
ted to have such a hold on mercy. I feel without 
a cloud, and would have none of you to be dis- 
couraged. I have prayed for our little meeting, 
that it may be kept alive in famine ; and I do 
believe it will, if you are all faithful to your gifts. 
I would not have you look at outward discourage- 
ments ; this I think has been a loss to me." She 
frequently expressed the concern she felt for 
young Friends, saying, " My advice is, that they 
should make themselves well acquainted with the 
important truths contained in the Holy Scriptures, 
and humbly wait for the instructions of Him who 
hath the key of David, that He would be their 
expositor and interpreter. I think it my dying 
duty to tell my dear young friends, that in this 
hour of conflict my faith has been confirmed, that 
■ we have not followed cunningly devised fables,' 
in supporting the ancient testimonies of Truth 
as held by our religious Society." During 
the last four days of her life, extreme weakness 
prevented her from fixing her mind on any sub- 
ject, but at intervals a sentence escaped her lips, 
showing that her hope and confidence were un- 
*21 



246 JOSEPH STORES FRY. 

shaken. At one time she repeated, " death, 
where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory V 
and again she exclaimed, " When shall I awake '?" 
She continued without much variation until the 
morning of the 30th of Eighth month, 1833, when 
she peacefuliy departed, aged about 66 years. 
Thus terminated the earthly course of this beloved 
friend, and whilst we are sensible of the loss 
which the Church has sustained, we have the 
consoling belief that through Redeeming Love 
and Mercy, the change to her was unspeakably 
glorious. 



It is beautifully recorded in Scripture, that the 
" path of the just is as the shining light, that 
shineth more and more unto the perfect day ;" 
and that " the end of that man is peace." With 
the truth of these declarations the last illness and 
closing days of Joseph Storrs Fry of Redland 
near Bristol, was strikingly in accordance. 

In relinquishing his hold on life and the things 
of it, his mind enjoyed a peace which appeared to 
be unbroken by the fluctuating events of time ; 
under a sense of which he said to one of his chil- 
dren : " What a favour, to be preserved in faith, 
hope, patience." He often said that " he was 
ready to submit to every dispensation of his Hea- 
venly Father's will concerning him, in the turn- 
ings of his gracious hand, and as waiting his 
change with humble hope and confidence ; and 
that even in the effects of daily increasing weak- 
ness he was enabled to rejoice, as it seemed like a 



JOSEPH STORRS FRY. 247 

messenger to bring him nearer to his heavenly 
home. 

Tenth month, 1835. After a gradual diminu- 
tion of strength, during a considerable period, hav- 
ing experienced an increased affection of the breath- 
ing, (from symptoms of which he had previously 
suffered,) he remarked to one of his children, that 
he considered himself in a very critical state, but 
he encouraged them to give him up with cheerful- 
ness into the hands of Him with whom are the 
issues of life ; and in whose unmerited love and 
mercy he was ready to place all his trust : adding, 
" When I am gone I hope you will live in love, 
and in the spirit of prayer. — I have every bless- 
ing, and entire peace of mind, through the mercy 
of God in Christ Jesus." 

During his illness, he occasionally enjoyed por- 
tions of the sacred Scriptures ; to the attentive 
perusal and study of which, during health and de- 
clining days, it had been his habit to devote a 
considerable portion of his time ; and on which his 
mind dwelt with a continually deepening interest ; 
from his experience of the hidden treasures con- 
tained in them, and of the consolation to be deri- 
ved from a reception of their truths. He often 
said that peace, sweet peace was his portion ; and 
expressed that he was extremely comfortable and 
happy in the prospect of dissolution : while those 
who were with him were made sensible of the pre- 
valence of the love of God through Christ Jesus, 
conveying to the mind a sense of that peace which 
passeth all understanding. 

He often spoke of the necessity of preparation 
during health ; and of being ready whenever the 



248 JOSEPH STORKS FRY. 

awful summons may arrive. He said that he had 
no fear of death ; and, speaking of the great end 
of our existence, he frequently impressed on those 
around him, that there is nothing else worth living 
for: and he remarked, "What a different world 
this would be, if everv individual contributed his 
mite on the side of virtue !" This sentiment he 
often expressed, in the conviction of the import- 
ance of individual responsibility, whether greater 
or less ; and the momentous consideration whe- 
ther the influence of our lives in word and deed, 
is on the side of good or evil. He said that he 
had no wish to live, but for the glory of God, His 
church, and people. He frequently used to tell 
his children to pay great attention to any little 
convictions they might feel in their own minds ; 
saying, that he believed that any apparent sacrifice 
which they might consequently make, would be 
blessed to them : sometimes quoting the text, 
" Happy is he that condemneth not himself in 
that thing which he alloweth." 

Eleventh month, 5th. To a friend he sent the 
following message : " Tell him that I hope he will 
know the blood of the Lamb sprinkled on the 
lintel and door posts of his heart ; and that any 
little defilements which there are about him will 
be washed away." In the course of this day's 
conversation, he said : " I trust it will please my 
gracious Saviour to take me into His arms, when 
His time comes ;" adding : " It is on the 
Great Sacrifice that we must rely, the sacrificial 
Lamb sprinkling the posts of our doors ; which 
can keep the destroyer out." Speaking of his 
state, and uttering short ejaculations occasionally, 



JOSEPH STORRS FRY. 249 

he said : " Gracious Father, be pleased to be with 
me, and all my dear children at the solemn close ; 
to take away the bitterness which common nature 
feels." On another occasion, reading to him that 
text, " By the grace of God I am what I am," — 
he said : " Ah that is much to the point ; — 'By 
the grace of God I am what I am ;' — I may truly 
say with thankfulness, that that is it which has 
kept and preserved me from my youth up, and 
redeemed me : His mercy and truth have followed 
me all my life long." 

On the morning of the 7th, about ten days be- 
fore the final scene closed, his mind seemed 
deeply impressed with the awful realities of a fu- 
ture state of being ; he requested his children to 
sit round his bed, he then alluded to what had 
been the ejaculation of his mind in the night sea- 
son, being this, " Gracious God, be pleased to 
lead me into thy robing chamber, where I may be 
stripped of all the filthiness of the flesh ; and 
washed perfectly clean in the blood of Jesus Christ, 
my Redeemer ; that I may be clothed upon with 
the fine white linen which is the righteousness of 
saints ; and that I may be prepared to stand be- 
fore thee, having on the wedding garment ;" he 
added "prepared— -for it is not my doing." His 
mind now seemed filled with the prospect of the 
joy that was set before him ; and he spoke in 
glowing language of the beauty of the celestial 
city, and of the fine white linen, which is the 
righteousness of saints ; saying, " Oh, the beauty, 
the glory of the celestial city ! Oh ! to be clothed 
in the pure bright linen, which is the righteous- 
ness of saints." " Oh for you !" he said, " Oh 



250 JOSEPH STORRS FRY. 

for me, that we may be clothed with the white 
robes, the white robes ! Oh, the beauty ! oh, the 
glory, to be made meet to stand before the throne, 
and to join the innumerable multitude who there 
worship the Lord God and the Lamb — if we may 
but be made meet for it." His mind seemed fill- 
ed with the prospect, and he quoted parts of that 
text : " A great multitude whom no man can 
number of all nations, and kindreds, and people, 
and tongues, stood before the throne and before 
the Lamb, clothed with white robes and palms in 
their hands." Rev. vii. 9. — Speaking of the mer- 
cy, which is thus granted, and saying that the 
subject sometimes filled him with delight, he 
added : " We must all press towards the celestial 
city." — " Oh the blessedness ! oh the happiness 
of having on the white robes !" adding • " It is 
the grand ultimatum of our existence, to be cloth- 
ed in the white robes ; there is nothing else worth 
living for." 

Eleventh month, 10th. To a member of the 
small monthly meeting, to which he had for many 
years been attached, he expressed his concern for 
the preservation of our religious Society ; and that 
the members of it might be, not cold professors 
merely, but as those that are indeed alive unto 
God : he also expressed his value for a pure Gos- 
pel ministry, and for spiritual worship, as experi- 
enced in silent meetings. His mind dwelt on 
the awfulness of entering on such an engagement, 
with our spirits unprepared for so deep and solemn 
a service ; professing to draw near unto God, 
whilst our hearts are far from him. He expressed 
very fully his conviction of the reality of an im- 



JOSEPH STOKRS FRY. 251 

mediate Divine communication to the mind ; and 
was jealous lest the cause of spiritual religion 
might sustain loss by an undervaluing of this vital 
principle. He also spoke of the great importance 
of individual dedication of heart, and listening to 
the voice of the Lord ; that we may be ready, 
waiting to obey his requirings. On his being asked 
whether, when contemplating the near approach 
of death, and after the opportunity which he had 
enjoyed of taking a calm and unbiassed review of 
subjects, he still felt satisfied of the truth of the 
fundamental doctrines, as professed by our Society, 
he most fully replied, that there never was a time 
when he had been more convinced of their being 
in unison with those of the Gospel ; and that, from 
his own experience, he had found them calculated 
to convey strength and comfort to the mind. 

He often spoke of the necessity of being pre- 
pared for the last great event ; saying to one of 
his family, " See the importance of preparation 
before !" and remarked, that although his disease 
had been so lingering, hundreds and thousands 
were taken without any warning ; saying also to 
a friend, that he believed the work was done for 
him by a merciful God and a merciful Redeemer. 

12th. Being settled for the night, on being 
asked if he was comfortable, he said : " Yes, very 
comfortable — very sweet — to lay my head down 
in peace ; just as if I was laying it down on my 
Saviour's lap.'" To a friend who expressed to 
him his belief that he was very near the kingdom 
— he replied, that his own mind also had been 
very sweetly comforted. 



252 ANN FRY. 

On the evening of the 17th, he requested to be 
much in quietness, — and on the following morning, 
after a night of much suffering, yet alleviated with 
some comfort, he peacefully breathed out his spi- 
rit into the hands of him who gave it, being in the 
69th year of his age. 



In presenting the foregoing memorial of Joseph 
Storrs Fry, it may not be unsuitable to add that 
his wife Ann Fry, — who died in the year ] 829, at 
the age of 65, — was one who, having happily 
been enabled to choose the Lord for her portion, 
and the God of Jacob for the lot of her inheritance, 
found Him to be the " chief among ten thousand, 
and altogether lovely." In this view the offering 
of the whole heart, and the dedication of her life, 
from her youth up, appeared to her a small return 
unto him, who, in redeeming love and mercy, had 
made her sensible of her lost estate, and of the 
need in which she stood of a Saviour ; and made 
her willing to invite others to come, taste, and see 
that the Lord is good. Hence she was often en- 
gaged, through private channels, to communicate 
spiritual counsel, either of warning or encourage- 
ment to individuals, of which there is much cause 
to believe that the fruits remain to the glory of 
God. 

She was, for many years, an acknowledged 
minister in our Society ; and was occasionally 
engaged in that service, in visiting both the meet- 
ings and families of Friends in her own and some 
adjacent meetings. 






ANN FRY. 253 

In the year 1813, accompanied by our late 
friend Thomas Shillitoe, she visited from house 
to house, the families of the poor throughout the 
extensive district of Kingswood, in the neigh- 
bourhood of Bristol ; a part of which was at that 
time, involved in degradation, ignorance, and vice. 
To this people, their visit of Christian love, proved 
to be remarkably acceptable ; and it still continues 
to live in the hearts of many amongst them. 

Indeed the spiritual interest of the poor gene- 
rally, was ever prominent in her view ; and she 
sometimes felt the drawings of Gospel love to ad- 
dress them by her pen, and was engaged in min- 
istering to their wants temporarily, as well as 
spiritually, by visiting them at their own houses, 
and imparting to them counsel, warning or conso- 
lation. In this cause, it seemed that every grati- 
fication was easily relinquished, so that she might 
be enabled to render an account with joy, through 
the grace which she had received of the Lord Jesus ; 
and that his glorious Gospel might be magnified 
and abound, until the " Kingdoms of this world 
shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of 
his Christ ; and he shall reign forever and ever." 

Her removal from this scene of mutability was 
awfully sudden — yet there is good ground to be- 
lieve she was prepared, through that adorable 
Saviour, in whose merits and mediation she had 
been enabled to place all her trust, to join in the 
universal anthem of — "Blessing, and honour, and 
glory, and power, be unto Him who sitteth upon 
the throne, and to the Lamb forever." 



22 



254 THOMAS SHILLITOE. 



Our dear friend Thomas Shillitoe was born 
in London in the Second month, 1754, of parents 
not in profession with Friends. In his youthful 
days, through the visitations of Divine grace, he 
was led to feel the importance of a religious life ; 
but at that very critical period, he was often ex- 
posed to great temptations, and in the way of 
associating with those who did not fear God, but 
slighted his holy law, and went in the way to do 
evil. He felt the sad consequences of this ; but 
a hand unseen was near to protect him : the at- 
tractions of heavenly love were graciously afford- 
ed, and were not disregarded. 

It appears that as he advanced towards man- 
hood, he became, from preference, a frequent at- 
tender of our religious meetings, though he had 
been brought up in the national mode of worship. 
He was then entirely dependent on his own in- 
dustry for support ; and as his attachment to the 
principles of our religious Society increased, he 
was, in consequence of his conscientious conduct, 
brought into difficulty, as to the means of gaining 
a livelihood. This circumstance became known 
to some Friends in London, through whose kind 
interest on his behalf, he was placed as a clerk in 
a banking-house in the city. He felt the great 
importance of a life of self-denial, and of entire 
conformity to the Divine will ; yet he was often 
sensible that he had strong temptations to follow 
the vanities, and follies of this world. He had a. 
great fondness for gay apparel, and felt that his 
peace was concerned in mortifying this disposi- 
tion ; and he faithfully bore his cross in this as 



THOMAS SHILLITOE. 255 

well as in other things. In the course of his ser- 
vices as banker's clerk, he had to purchase lottery- 
tickets for country correspondents, and to do some 
other things which troubled him. Hence, as he 
was a man of a tender conscience, he became 
uneasy in his new situation ; he sought for Divine 
guidance, and after many conflicts of mind, gave 
up his place, and thought it his duty to learn the 
trade of a shoemaker, an employment which he 
followed as long as he continued in business. 

The confinement of London not suiting his 
health, he removed to Tottenham in the year 
1778, having some time previously been admitted 
as a member of our religious Society, by Grace- 
church Street Monthly Meeting. Here he steadily 
followed his new line of employment, and in the 
ensuing spring formed a respectable connexion in 
marriage. His course and that of his wife were 
marked by honest industry and contentment with 
their lot ; and they trained up a young family con- 
sistently with their circumstances, and in accord- 
ance with our religious profession, teaching them 
to fear God and keep his commandments. 

In the year 1790, our dear friend was acknow- 
ledged a minister by Tottenham Monthly Meet- 
ing, having for a considerable time previously 
spoken in that character in our meetings for wor- 
ship. After this period, he left his outward con- 
cerns from time to time, and in Gospel love 
visited his friends in nearer and more distant 
counties, and paid a general visit to Friends in 
Ireland. The cares of a rising family pressing 
heavily upon him, he felt these sacrifices to be 
acts of simple faith ; but believing them to be in 



256 THOMAS SHILLITOE. 

the line of his religious duty, he allowed no infe- 
rior considerations to turn him aside. When from 
home he pursued the service with great diligence ; 
his visits were acceptable to his friends, and, we 
believe, to their religious edification. He was 
accustomed to travel in a very simple way, and 
was very careful not to occasion needless expense 
to himself or to his friends ; and in order to set 
himself at liberty for these services, he often 
made great exertions in his business previous to 
leaving home. When, in the latter part of the 
time that he was in trade, he found that he could 
leave his outward concerns with less anxiety, 
the journeys were performed principally on foot. 
About the year 1806, thinking that, through the 
Divine blessing on his honest endeavours, he 
had gained a competency, he retired from busi- 
ness, believing it right to be given up to the 
service of his Lord. His means were limited, 
but as his wants were few, and his habits very 
simple and moderate, he found that he had a suf- 
ficiency. 

Our dear friend was a man of an energetic 
mind. If, in conscientiously and plainly setting 
before his friends, in his intercourse with them, 
what he believed to be their mistakes, whether 
in practice or in opinion, and if in an honest 
zeal to be found not flinching in the discharge of 
his duty, he at times tried them, his love and 
affection were such as to prove the sincerity of 
his heart, and the kindness of his intentions. He 
was often brought very low, partly arising from 
nervous feelings, and partly from the religious 
exercises of mind which he passed through : he 



THOMAS SHILLITOE. 257 

was also not unfrequently very cheerful. This 
was strikingly the case after the performance of 
any act of duty to which he had believed himself 
called. In these acts of dedication, he was faith- 
ful and persevering, however humiliating the na- 
ture of the engagement. The greater the cross 
to his natural inclination, the greater was his fear, 
lest self-love, or the desire of ease to the flesh, 
should cause him to shrink from what he believed 
to be the will of his God. An instructive illus- 
tration of this feature in his character is present- 
ed in some very trying service which he performed 
in Ireland. In the populous cities of Dublin and 
Cork, as well as in some other places in that na- 
tion, where vice and immorality abound, he went, 
in the years 1810 and 1811, accompanied by 
some of his friends, from house to house, without 
distinction, where ardent spirits were offered for 
sale, to warn those who kept such shops, and the 
persons assembled there, of the evil of their do- 
ings. The message which he conveyed was short 
and plain, and simple; but being delivered in 
Christian love, it was received by many with at- 
tention and respect. 

In the year 1813, he was engaged, as the pre- 
ceding memorial states, in conjunction with our 
late friend, Ann Fry, in paying religious visits to 
the families of the poor in the extensive district 
of Kingswood, near Bristol. Their faithful la- 
bour of Christian love, amongst some of the most 
degraded of our fellow-creatures, appeared to 
make much impression, even upon the minds of 
those little accustomed to consider their eternal 
interests ; and the way in which our friends were 
22* 



258 THOMAS SHILLITOE. 

mercifully helped to perform this arduous service, 
encourages the belief that they were under the 
immediate guidance and protection of our blessed 
Lord and Master, who in commanding his disci- 
ples to go forth, promised to be with them ; and 
he will continue to be with his servants in the 
present day, who in simple obedience and living 
faith, endeavour to know and to perform his holy 
will. 

He was remarkable, through a long course of 
years, for his kindness to the poor and distressed, 
sympathizing with them in their troubles, plead- 
ing for a just remuneration of their labours, and 
liberal to them according to his means ; prompt 
and unwearied in soliciting the affluent for relief 
for such, especially exerting himself on behalf of 
those who had seen brighter days. In these la- 
bours of love, his disinterested applications sel- 
don failed to be successful. He bore a faithful 
testimony against the love of the world, whether 
it showed itself in vanity in dress, or in other ex- 
travagance, or in the eager pursuit of wealth, 
calling his friends to the necessity of daily bearing 
the cross in all things, warning them against 
speculations in trade, and urging them to take 
heed lest, by coverting riches, they should make 
shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience. 

With a view of being near his children, he left 
Tottenham in the year 1812, and lived some 
years in Yorkshire, and a longer time in Hert- 
fordshire. Whilst there, he possessed the esteem 
of Friends ; and, in some instances, rather re- 
markably so, that of several persons of other 
religious societies, who seemed to respect him for 



THOMAS SHILLITOE. 259 

his faithfulness. He was frequent in visiting the 
sick, and sympathizing with the afflicted, evincing 
much concern for the everlasting welfare of those 
among whom he resided. The moral and reli- 
gious improvement of the poor was also a subject 
that often occupied his attention. He was fre- 
quently engaged in religious meetings in a plain, 
searching testimony, tending to arouse from a 
state of indifference and unconcernedness in reli- 
gion, and to stir up all to diligence in occupying 
with the different talents entrusted to their care. 
His watchfulness and circumspect conduct appear- 
ed to have a salutary influence amongst his friends, 
and when he left Hertfordshire, his removal was 
sincerely regretted. 

During his residence in that county, our dear 
friend paid two extensive religious visits on the 
continent, passing through, or tarrying in, many 
.of the nations of Europe, between the years 1821 
and 1825. In the course of these engagements, 
he visited the few professing with Friends in the 
South of France and in Germany, also in Nor- 
way ; and he sought out and visited pious charac- 
ters in many places through which he travelled. 
Accounts have been received from several of these 
of the comfort and instruction derived from his 
Christian labours among them. He travelled 
mostly alone; and being wholly unacquainted 
with the languages of the people, it was a close 
trial of his faith. But keeping a single eye to 
the guidance of his gracious Lord, he was merci- 
fully cared for from place to place. His way was, 
in a remarkable manner, opened by unexpected- 
ly meeting with kind, efficient interpreters, who 



260 THOMAS SHILLITOE. 

assisted him in performing the service which he 
believed to be required of him. He had long en- 
tertained a high sense of the purity of morals 
which the Gospel of Christ requires ; in his tra- 
vels he found much that was opposed to this, and 
did not fail, on some such occasions, honestly to 
testify against it. One thing which greatly trou- 
bled him was the sad disregard of the First day 
of the week ; he plainly set this evil before those 
who had the power to apply a remedy. When in 
the cities of Hamburgh and Altona, he drew up an 
address to the inhabitants of those places, remon- 
strating with them on the neglect of this duty. 
This address was translated into the German lan- 
guage, and extensively distributed by him there 
With his own hand. 

Though our departed friend had received but 
little education, his courteous and afTable, yet re- 
spectful manners, often facilitated his access to 
persons of high rank in society. Considering 
kings in the character of fathers of their people, 
he many times, both in this and in foreign coun- 
tries, thought it his duty to seek for interviews 
with them. As he patiently looked unto the Lord, 
in simple dependence upon him, an opportunity 
w r as often afforded him to communicate what was 
upon his mind. Either verbally, or by written 
memorials, he conveyed his exercise for their 
eternal welfare, and that they might be good ex- 
amples to their subjects ; and also his concern 
for their adopting measures calculated to repress 
crime, and to promote Christian virtue, and the 
true happiness of their people. 

In the year 1826, at the advanced age of seven- 



THOMAS SHILLITOE. 261 

ty-two, he paid a religious visit to Friends in 
America, and travelled among them about three 
years. It was a time of much unsettlement and 
of sore trial to faithful Friends, owing to a grievous 
disesteem, on the part of many, of the great truths 
of the Christian religion. It appears by the testi- 
monials which have been received, that the com- 
pany of our dear friend was acceptable to his 
brethren in America at that time, and that his 
solid, consistent deportment, and steady testimony 
against the spirit of unbelief, tended to their en- 
couragement and strength. 

After returning home he lived the rest of his 
days at Tottenham with his wife, who had been 
and continued to be, a faithful help-meet to him, 
and who survived him. He felt the infirmities of 
declining years. Of later times his bodily suffer- 
ings were often considerable ; but living near the 
meeting-house, he regularly attended meetings, 
continuing earnestly to exhort his friends to let 
obedience to the law of God keep pace with the 
knowledge of its requirements ; labouring with 
them on the necessity of pressing after holiness of 
life, and of a thorough surrender of their wills to 
the Divine will. He still endavoured to do good 
and to communicate. He was much beloved and 
respected by his neighbours. One of the very 
last acts of his life, when his weakness had greatly 
increased, and disease was wasting his constitu- 
tion, was to collect and assist in expending some 
money for the comfort of a few of his poorer neigh- 
bours, by the repair and improvement of some 
alms-houses. He was continually concerned that 
he might be found ready to meet his Lord, when 



262 THOMAS 5IIILLITOE. 

the solemn messenger of death should arrive, often 
adverting to the necessity of watchfulness, lest 
having long professed the Truth, he should in the 
end become a cast-away. In the retrospect of his 
lengthened but active life, he was very desirous 
that his friends should know that he trusted in 
nothing but the free mercy of God in Christ Jesus, 
repeatedly assuring them, that all his own righteous- 
ness was but as filthy rags. 

On the 5th of the Sixth month, 1836, he was 
taken more alarmingly ill. Early in the morning 
of the following day he became much worse, from 
increased debility : and his breathing being diffi- 
cult, he said, " It is labour, but not sorrow. O ! 
deliver me, if consistent with thy blessed will. I 
am in the hands of a merciful God — take me. I 
can give up all in this world. Mercy ! mercy ! 

! come, come, blessed Jesus, if it is consistent 
with thy blessed will." In the course of the even- 
ing of that day he was visited by a friend, who 
found him in extreme weakness : but in the pos- 
session of his mental powers. He observed that 
it was difficult to maintain patience. i; O ! for 
patience !" he exclaimed ; " O ! for a little help 
to be preserved in patience !" adding, after some 
further expression, " but surely mercy is even 
now covering the judgment-seat as to a hair's 
breadth." A hope was expressed to him, that al- 
though the body was brought very low, the mind 
was anchored on the unfailing Rock; he promptiy 
replied, " O, yes ; — if it were not so what should 

1 now do, or what would now become of me ! — 
Ah ! truly, I am a poor creature every way, 
wholly dependent on the mercy of my Redeemer ; 



THOMAS SHILLITOE. 263 

and if he do but admit the pearl gates to be so far 
opened that I may be admitted within them, it 
will be enough. O ! I see the goodly land before 
me, and the glorious journey thither; but I am 
not yet permitted to enter it. It is indeed a beau- 
tiful prospect, as clear to the eye of my soul as 
any outward object to the natural sight." He then 
exclaimed, " O ! the love of my Redeemer, how 
sweet it is. May my latest breath be engaged in 
singing his praises." He further observed, that 
he had no works or merit of his own to carry 
with him on that beautiful road, nor any claim to 
prefer at the pearl gates ; but the love and mercy 
of that Saviour who shed his precious blood for 
him. On the friend's taking leave of him, he ex- 
pressed that he felt love to all his friends with- 
out exception, emphatically adding, "to all my 
friends." At another time, on receiving a mes- 
sage of love from two friends, he said his love 
was to every body, all the world over, even the 
worst sinner. He loved them ; but not their 
deeds — that his love was universal, to all the hu- 
man race ; adding, " if it were not so, how mis- 
erable indeed should I feel !" 

He quietly passed away from time to eternity, 
on the 12th of the Sixth month, 1836. He was 
about eighty-two years old, and had been a min- 
ister upwards of fifty years. To this aged servant 
of God we believe may be applied the words of 
Holy Scripture: " Blessed are the dead which die 
in the Lord, from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, 
that they may rest from their labours ; and their 
works do follow them." 



264 ELIZABETH LINNEY. 



In the life of Elizabeth Linney, which was 
terminated at the age of 30 years, we are pre- 
sented with a remarkable evidence of the efficacy 
of that grace which brings salvation, by which 
her mind was early impressed with the fear of 
God, preserved amidst much exposure to evil, 
brought into a precious degree of conformity with 
the Divine will, sustained throughout a lengthened 
period of disease and suffering, and enabled even- 
tually to meet death with a hope full of immor- 
tality. 

She was born on the 24th of the Seventh month, 
1804, at Ripon, in Yorkshire, of parents who were 
poor and illiterate. Her father was a man of ir- 
regular habits, and at length he left his wife and 
children, to enter on a military life, volunteering 
for foreign service. Her mother was, in conse- 
quence, obliged to return again to servitude, and 
to consign her young children to the care of others. 
Thus at a very early age, the subject of this me- 
moir was deprived of the protection of both her 
earthly parents, and was placed in a family who 
manifested no regard for her eternal welfare, and 
but very little concern respecting the formation of 
her moral character, receiving as inmates, play- 
actors and other persons of a similar description, 
whose precepts and habits are well known to have 
a demoralizing tendency on the minds of youth. 
Thus situated, " He who has promised to be a 
Father to the fatherless," was with her, and pro- 
tected her from being ensnared by the evil exam- 
ples which surrounded her : for though she was 
occasionally taken by her guardians and their 



ELIZABETH LINNEY. 265 

inmates to the theatre and other amusements of 
the like nature, and was gratified with them at 
the time, yet the Lord graciously regarded her, 
and prevented the love of those things from taking 
root in her infantile breast. 

About the 5th year of her age, she was removed 
from this pernicious association, and placed under 
the care of her grandmother. At this time she 
was noticed by some benevolent persons, who at 
length sent her to a charitable institution, called 
the School of Industry, where she was clothed, 
educated, and taken to the national worship on 
First-days. In that establishment she was taught 
to read the Holy Scriptures, to use forms of 
prayer, and to sing psalms and hymns. It was 
here she first heard that there was a future life — 
that there was a heaven for the redeemed, and a 
hell for those who die in an unconverted state ; — 
that mankind are all sinners ; — that they must be 
reconciled to God ; — that this they could not 
effect for themselves ; but that God had sent His 
Son into the world to save sinners, upon condition 
that they do unfeignedly repent, and believe and 
obey His Holy Gospel : and that He now sits on 
the right hand of the Father making intercession 
for us. 

Being much employed in the domestic depart- 
ment, she did not make so much progress in 
learning as some others ; yet she gained enough 
to enable her to read the Bible, so as measurably 
to understand some of its truths. She would 
often recur to the time spent in this establishment 
with feelings of gratitude to Him who had thus 
provided her a little education. 
23 



266 ELIZABETH LIXXEY. 

It was about this time, it is believed, that she 
was preciously visited with the day-spring from 
on high, which created living desires after heaven, 
and gave her peace in well-doing, and sorrow of 
heart for evil-doing ; she knew not what this 
secret something was that did visit her, and the 
follies of youth gradually wore these impressions 
away: but being blessed with an amiable dispo- 
sition from her childhood, she left the school be- 
loved both by teachers and scholars, at the age of 
twelve years. 

She was engaged as a servant soon after she 
left school, and obtained the favour of all among 
whom her lot was cast. She was not with serious 
persons. It appears that at this time she re- 
mained unconcerned about her eternal interests ; 
she however attended a place of worship (the 
national church) once in the week. 

About the ISth year of her age she was again 
visited by the Spirit of Truth ; and becoming 
acquainted with a professor of religion about this 
time, she was encouraged to turn unto the Lord 
with full purpose of heart ; yet she made little or 
no progress in the spiritual life till a short time 
previous to her marriage. On leaving her servi- 
tude and returning again to Ripon, she had an 
opportunity of attending the Independent meet- 
ing in that place, which was helpful to her, though 
she was unable to unite in their views upon some 
doctrinal points; nor could she see her way clear 
to join that society. 

At the age of twenty-one years she entered 
into a married state with G. F. Linney of that 
place, tailor ; and although young in years, she 



ELIZABETH LIWNEY. 267 

felt much the need of seeking the Divine counsel 
in this solemn engagement ; which she believed 
was not withheld on that occasion. 

Almost immediately after their marriage, they 
removed to York in search of employment, which, 
providentially, they met with on the day they 
arrived ; for which blessing they were thankful 
to Almighty God. 

They settled there, and she continued her at- 
tendance at the Independent meeting, of which 
denomination her husband was then a member ; 
but Elizabeth could not feel that satisfaction in 
the use of those ceremonies which are practised 
amongst dissenters which her soul longed for, 
and which she believed was to be, and must be 
experienced, before there is just cause to believe 
that all is well within. 

About the 22nd year of her age, her husband 
became convinced of Friends' principles ; and 
after much reasoning and inward conflict, she 
concluded to go to the Friends' meeting one First- 
day afternoon or evening, which proved silent^ as 
to words ; but in which she was much tendered 
by the power of Truth operating on her heart ; — 
and she returned home in a solemn frame of mii#i. 
On being asked if they had any preaching, she 
answered, " No !" but added, that she had felt 
more true satisfaction in that silent meeting, than 
in any other meeting she had ever been at. 

The three following meetings she attended were 
also held in silence, in which she was favoured to 
partake of that spiritual refreshment which is 
beyond words ; and returned from them deeply 
humbled and bowed in spirit. Indeed it did not 



268 ELIZABETH LINNEY. 

fall to her lot, to hear much outward ministry 
among Friends for some time, though she con- 
tinued to go to First-day meetings, as often as 
circumstances would permit : she mostly felt 
benefitted by attending ; and apprehended it was 
the right place for her to sit down in. She did 
not immediately embrace all the Christian prin- 
ciples of our religious Society ; for although satis- 
fied with sitting down in silence among them, she 
hoped this might be enough ; not inclining to 
take up any one peculiarity without being con- 
vinced of its originating in truth, and that the 
Lord called for its use at her hands. And He 
whose ways are not as our ways, nor His thoughts 
as our thoughts, showed her, in due time, that she 
must adopt some practices which the world, and oth- 
er religious denominations, consider non-essentials ; 
and which too many amongst us would willingly 
view in the same light ; but — " Oh that some in 
our Society," she would often say, " knew how 
much the use of such things do cost some of us, 
then they could not slight them, nor any longer 
call them non-essential ; for all things are essen- 
tial to our growth in grace, that the Lord calls 
f«r ; however small they may seem in the eyes 
of the carnal, or of the lukewarm professor." 

Asa wife, she was truly exemplary, letting true 
wisdom set bounds to her desires, in furnishing 
the house, and in food and raiment both for her- 
self and her family ; yet she loved neatness and 
cleanliness in the strictest sense of the words ; 
and was what the Scriptures recommend, a keeper 
at home, employing all the time she could spare 
from her domestic concerns, (which were many,) 



ELIZABETH LINNEY. 269 

in assisting her husband in his trade. It is prob- 
able that too much of this employ, added to the 
anxiety attendant on business which at times lay 
much upon her, on account of the frequent sick- 
ness of her husband, induced her to exert herself 
beyond what proved in the end beneficial. But 
on looking back to these occasions, she would at 
times appeal to the Great Searcher of hearts, and 
say, that He knew it did not arise from an impure 
motive, having no desire after, or love for, great 
things in this life ; lest they should be a snare, 
and prevent a growth in those that are more sub- 
stantial. And though somewhat injured by close 
application, she often expressed the peace she felt 
in doing what she could, when in health, to ad- 
vance the temporal advantage of her household. 

A good constitution became at length much 
enfeebled ; and removing into the centre of the 
city by no means improved her health, or lessened 
her anxiety ; yet she would often encourage her 
partner in life, saying, that though the prospect 
of things was discouraging at present, yet they 
had sought the Divine will in their earthly steps, 
and she did believe, that however afflicting things 
might seem, they would eventually work together 
for good. 

After giving birth to her second child in the 
Tenth month, 1828, her health improved till the 
spring following, when it began again to decline. 
Soon after this she began to think of applying for 
membership with Friends, but here the enemy 
came in upon her as a flood ; telling her she was 
too illiterate — that she would not be able to an- 
swer the many questions that would be asked her 
23* 



270 ELIZABETH LINNEY. 

— that she was not sufficiently acquainted with 
the letter of their doctrines, and much more of 
this kind. These besetments, added to the ex- 
tremely low view she had of herself and of her 
Christian attainments, protracted her design, and 
made the conflict great ; but the Lord who knew 
how those things arose, cast out that lying accu- 
ser, by His mighty power, to whom the praise 
was given, so that she was encouraged to apply, 
and was received, together with her two children, 
in the Ninth month, 1S29. 

Many were her fears that, after all, she should 
not make that progress which she saw was neces- 
sary for all who would inherit the kingdom of 
heaven ; and many cries ascended to the Lord, 
that He would strengthen her to hold out to the 
end, that He would enlighten her by His blessed 
Spirit, that she might see ail the lurkings of the 
enemy, and be enabled thereby to shun them ; 
that she might be preserved from sitting down at 
rest after obtaining membership ; which there is 
ground to fear is mournfully the case with some, 
who supposing that attainment to be enough, set- 
tle down, and their " lamps go out." 

Her medical adviser had recommended her 
removal to a more salubrious situation, and her 
health continuing delicate, and her husband hear- 
ing that the master-tailor's situation was at liberty 
at Ackworth School, endeavoured to ascertain 
how far it might be right to give up business and 
apply for it. After taking the advice of some 
Friends, he concluded to do so ; and the offer of 
his services being accepted, they took leave, in the 
Eleventh month, 1829, of their friends in York, 



ELIZABETH LINNEY. 271 

who were very dear to them in the Truth ; re- 
membering the case of Abraham, to some com- 
fort, though their removal was of a different kind. 
This parting and going into a strange place where 
she knew no one, and under such circumstances, 
proved a close trial of Elizabeth's faith : but be- 
lieving it was in the ordering of Providence, she 
learned in this also to be content, and the change 
had a good effect upon her health for some time ; 
for which blessing she was indeed thankful to the 
Giver thereof. 

In the Eighth month, 1830, soon after giving 
birth to her third child, her health again began 
to decline : a cough, to which she had been sub- 
ject, returned with increased violence, and her 
whole frame became debilitated, which settled in 
an affection of the spine ; so that by the Fourth 
month following, she lost, in a great measure, the 
use of the lower extremities. Having also been, 
for some time past, prevented meeting with her 
friends as usual, she became much discouraged ; 
and not feeling the presence of her soul's Beloved 
so much with her as heretofore, she could adopt 
the language of the Psalmist^ when he said, " Why 
go I mourning all the day because of the oppres- 
sion of the enemy ;" for he was exceedingly bu- 
sy ; yet she continued waiting on the Lord in 
solemn silence at home ; and He at times gra- 
ciously owned these approaches, so that she re- 
joiced in Him, and was enabled to call upon Him, 
and pour out her prayers unto Him who had seen 
meet to afflict her, that He would pardon all her 
faults, and would arise for her deliverance. This 
He did in due time, and rebuked the adversary, 



272 ELIZABETH LI1VXEY. 

who was as a roaring lion ; and made her hope 
that she should hold out to the end. Indeed (as 
a pious writer says) " It is easy to hope when the 
Sun of Righteousness shines upon us ; but when 
we have again and again to endure many strip- 
pings and deep conflicts, it is not so easy to stand 
firm and keep the faith." 

The disease increased, and a visit to Scarbo- 
rough was advised ; but this and other means so 
far failed, that by the end of the Eighth month she 
totally lost the use of her legs, not being ablejo 
move so much as a toe. This unexpected increase 
of disease, was borne with Chxisimxi fortitude and 
cheerfulness ; for the Lord was with her, and 
made her measurably to rejoice in tribulation. 
Though the increase of this disease, together with 
other complaints, seemed in the estimation of some 
to threaten life, yet she believed that her dissolu- 
tion was not so near as was supposed. She, 
however, continued to get worse till the end of 
the year, notwithstanding the efforts of several 
medical attendants ; but she w T as borne above all, 
and her faith was strong in the Lord, who had 
made her content and cheerful in these afflictions. 
And she would often say to her husband, "Though 
we have trials that few, if any, know of, we have 
also joys that the stranger meddleth not with." 

By the beginning of the year she had regained 
some use of her legs; and but little good appear- 
ing to result from medical assistance, she gave it 
quite up. She gradually improved, and was in a 
little time able to get about the house, and after- 
wards to lay aside her crutch. This state of health 
continued till towards the end of the year ; taking 



ELIZABETH LINNEY. 273 

the fresh air and using a generous diet, being 
nearly all she attended to in order to preserve the 
body ; till the alteration and enlargement of a 
tumor on the back, brought her under serious 
thoughtfulness ; she being informed by her hus- 
band, at the request of her doctor, that there 
was a danger that it might soon prove suddenly 
fatal. 

This unexpected information was received with 
Christian fortitude ; and she stated that she did 
not see as the doctor saw, in this respect, but 
concluded, she was so poor a creature to judge 
about any matter of importance, that it was need- 
ful to take the precaution to set her house in 
order. Being asked by her husband, if it should 
prove fatal at an unexpected hour, what was her 
hope, she replied, " On the merits of Christ ; I 
have no other hope. I have nothing of my own 
to bring." And she also gave directions to her 
husband concerning her beloved children, and 
other matters of a worldly nature, with a calmness 
that showed death was not terrible to her. 

Her faith remained unshaken as to the final 
termination of the disease ; and the result was 
according to her expectation ; for after a short 
time of weakness and confinement, she gradually 
improved. In a few months she was able to 
attend meeting ; which, with a few exceptions, 
had not been the case since the summer of 1830 ; 
and she was thankful for this great favour. 

In the following summer she appeared to de- 
rive benefit from a month's residence at Scarbo- 
rough ; for which she thankfully observed to her 
husband, " We have much to cause us to rejoice, 



274 ELIZABETH LINNEY. 

yet it must be with fear and trembling." She 
continued gaining strength for several months, 
also attending meetings frequently ; and before 
the end of the year, she was able to resume her 
domestic work with less assistance than for some 
months before ; and she forgot not the Lord that 
had delivered her ; but quickened her pace hea- 
venward ; though, for some time, she saw not 
that she should soon have done with all things 
here below ; she being then so much better as to 
the body. 

Having again in prospect another of those sea- 
sons that had always proved trying to nature, she 
doubted of its termination, which caused her to 
examine closely her spiritual state. She now 
devoted all her spare time to reading, especially 
the Holy Scriptures, to retirement, and commun- 
ing with her own heart ; and in these moments 
of retirement she was frequently overheard in 
vocal prayer, that nothing might remain in her 
that would not endure the last conflict. O! the 
increased fervency with which she addressed the 
Throne of Grace as the event drew nigh ; though 
she seldom disclosed her feelings to any one. 

This increase of fervency caused her husband 
to fear the awful hour was fast approaching, when 
she would have to leave all in this world; and 
about the end of the Second month, an attack of 
influenza shook her much, and increased a con- 
stitutional cough to a great degree. 

Being at times reminded that the Lord had 
done much for her, and brought her through many 
trials ; and that He was able to bring her through 
this also, if He pleased; she would say, all this 



ELIZABETH LINNEY. 2t& 

she knew, but she could not alter her views upon 
this event, though her faith stood firm, being in 
Him that cannot be moved. 

She was at length reduced very low both in 
body and mind, thinking herself past hope and 
deserted of the Lord : but after some days, a 
Friend sitting with her husband by the bed-side, 
Elizabeth expressed her fears that she was too 
great a sinner to be saved ; to which the Friend 
replied to this effect : " Thou knowest that Christ 
came into the world to save sinners ; and that 
we none of us have any thing of our own that 
will save us without Him," She was also in- 
formed that disease prevented her being able to 
see these things ; and the enemy taking the ad- 
vantage of this, caused her these distressing feel- 
ings. To this she replied, " Yes it was ;" and 
afterwards was much relieved from them. She 
had a great conflict in giving up her husband and 
children, but the Lord enabled her to do this, and 
at times to look unto Him with confidence. 

On First day the 15th of Sixth month, she seemed 
decidedly better, and in the intervals of clearness, 
told her husband that she felt better ,* but still 
believed the time was not far distant when she 
should die — that she now saw it was disease that 
had wrought upon her poor mind — that there 
appeared nothing now in the way — that the work 
was finished by Him who had begun it. She 
then conversed about the future welfare of her 
husband and children with great clearness and 
calmness. 

The next day she appeared still better, but 
said to her husband and sister, " I now look for- 



276 MARY ALEXANDER. 

ward to my end, with a hope full of immortality ;" 
and speaking to her husband of this last trial, ad- 
ded, u I shall soon be beyond the reach of afflic- 
tion and sorrow." 

On Third-day morning, the 17th, she altered 
much for the worse. Towards evening she ap- 
peared to be sinking fast ; and on her husband 
entering the room she said, lifting up her eyes 
to heaven, " Now I am going to glory." 



Mary Alexander was born at Tottenham the 
1 3th of the Ninth month, 1758, of parents profess- 
ing with Friends. In early life, and particularly 
whilst at school, she was sometimes favoured with 
the tendering visitations of Divine love ; but the 
impressions thus made on her mind were not per- 
manent, for as she advanced in years she evinced 
much volatility of disposition, with a strong natu- 
ral will, little disposed to submit to the restraining 
influence of heavenly love, and to be led in the 
narrow path of self-denial. 

In the year 1781 she went to reside in the com- 
pass of Coggeshall monthly meeting, previous to 
which, by submission to the power of Divine 
Grace, a great change had been wrought in her, 
which was evinced by her solid and exemplary 
deportment. About the 32nd year of her age, 
she believed herself called to bear public testimony 
to the Lord's goodness ; and as she endeavoured 
faithfully to occupy with the gift bestowed upon 
her, carefully waiting upon him who had called 
her to the work, for the renewed evidence of the 



MARY ALEXANDER. 277 

Divine anointing, she experienced a growth there- 
in, and became an able minister, qualified rightly 
to divide the word, to the edification of many who 
shared her Gospel labours. 

In the year 1798, in company with fellow la- 
bourers in the same good w 7 ork, she visited Friends 
in the counties of Surrey, Sussex, and Kent. She 
was afterwards repeatedly engaged in a similar 
way with her bfeloved friend Mary Proud, with 
whom she then resided, and to whom she felt 
closely united in the bonds of Gospel fellowship. 

In the summer of 1826 she visited Friends in 
their families in the compass of Tottenham Month- 
ly Meeting, and within the last few years at differ- 
ent times those in the several Monthly Meetings, 
constituting her own Quarterly Meeting, and in 
the spring of 1830, the meetings of Friends in 
the counties of Cambridge and Huntingdon. In 
the following autumn she was united with her 
ancient friend Rebecca Byrd, in holding meetings 
with those not professing w r ith us, in some places 
within the compass of Dorset and Hants Quarter- 
ly Meeting. These were her last religious en- 
gagements, at a distance from home, and some of 
them were performed under the pressure of con- 
siderable bodily infirmity, but they were produc- 
tive of relief and comfort to her own mind, and 
she often recurred to them as retaining a grateful 
remembrance, of the sustaining help, mercifully 
afforded in the evening of her day, enabling her 
to pay these debts of love to her friends. 

She highly valued the discipline established in 
our religious Society, believing it to have proved 
as a hedge around us, and was zealously engaged 
24 



278 MARY ALEXANDER. 

to promote the maintenance of good order, by the 
steady and impartial exercise thereof in the spirit 
of love. 

To the poor, she was a truly kind and sympa- 
thizing friend, feeling tenderly for them in their 
various wants and privations, and, when able, fre- 
quently visiting them in their own dwellings, and 
according to her ability, ministering to their relief. 
Nor was her liberality confined to persons in 
actual distress, but was extended in a private way 
to some whose pecuniary resources were slender ; 
thus endeavouring to approve herself a faithful 
steward of the temporal as well as spiritual gifts 
with which she was entrusted. 

A few years previous to her decease, she had a 
very serious illness from which it did not appear 
likely she would recover. At this period she 
uttered many sweet expressions, evincing her 
humble yet steady reliance on Divine love and 
mercy through " the Lamb of God which taketh 
away the sin of the world." On one occasion she 
expressed herself nearly as follows : " I have no 
righteousness to clothe myself with — no — I have 
not done much for the Truth — I hope I have been 
preserved from doing much against it ;" and 
added, " To have just a place is all I ask — I have 
a little trust. I have not seen how this illness 
may terminate. I desire to have no will of my 
own, but that the Divine will may be done in me, 
by me, and through me." At another time, " I 
am very unworthy, but I think I can say, ' Though 
an host should encamp against me, mine heart 
shall not fear, though war should rise against me, 
in this will I be confident. One thing have I 



MARY ALEXANDER. 279 

desired of the Lord ; that will I seek after ; that 
I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days 
of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and 
to inquire in his temple.' " At another time, 
" What a favour to have the mind sweetly cen- 
tred — What a favour !" 

She was a very diligent attender of our meet- 
ings for worship and discipline, often going of 
late with great difficulty, and was not un frequent- 
ly on these occasions, strengthened to evince in 
public ministry, her unabated desire for the pro- 
motion of the cause of righteousness. 

Within the last few months of her life her 
memory was evidently failing : — of this she ap- 
peared to be fully sensible, and sometimes expres- 
sed with tears, her earnest desire that amidst the 
weakening of her mental powers, and the increas- 
ing infirmities of an afflicted tabernacle, she might 
be preserved from saying or doing any thing that 
might bring reproach on that precious cause which 
she loved and had publicly espoused. 

An apprehension had at times rested on her 
mind that she might be released from the trials of 
time, with little or no previous warning — and so 
it proved. She was at meeting on the morning 
of First-day, the 17th of Eleventh month, and ap- 
peared to be nearly as well as usual ; in the even- 
ing she was engaged in writing to an absent 
friend ; after which she walked into an adjoining 
room, where she was suddenly taken ill ; endea- 
vours were promptly used to relieve her, but she 
signified her belief that they would be unavailing. 
For a short time she appeared to be engaged in sup- 
plication, and after thrice ejaculating " My Hea- 



280 MARTHA SMITH. 

venly Father," immediately expired, at the age 
of 75. 

Whilst sensible of the loss which we and the 
church have sustained in the removal of this our 
beloved friend, we feel that on her behalf there is 
cause for thankfulness in the belief, that having 
experienced the washing of regeneration, by sub- 
mission to the sanctifying operations of the Spirit 
of Truth, she is accepted in and through Christ 
Jesus, and has received that crown of righteous- 
ness which the apostle declares that " The Lord, 
the righteous Judge, will give unto all those who 
love his appearing." 



Martha Smith was the daughter of Henry and 
Mary Ecroy d of Edgend in Lancashire. Of a lively 
and cheerful disposition, and, in early life, not be- 
ing subjected to the discipline of the cross of Christ, 
she indulged in worldly enjoyments, though closely 
followed by the reproofs of instruction. In this 
situation, she continued to reject the offers of re- 
deeming love, until plunged into deep affliction by 
the death of her father, after a few days illness. 

Brought low by this unexpected bereavement, 
she bowed to the stroke ; and accepted the father- 
ly chastisements of that Divine Hand, whose 
more gentle corrections she had hitherto refused 
to regard. Deep were her conflicts, aud humili- 
ating the baptisms, which she had to pass through : 
— all outward enjoyment ceased to be availing to 
her comfort : and she at length learned to wait, 
in humble submission and resignation, for help 



MARTHA SMITH. 281 

from Him who is mighty : " My stout heart," she 
writes, " was broken to pieces, and became as 
clay in the hands of the Great Potter. I was 
made willing to suffer, come what would come ; 
because I had sinned against my God ; and had 
not obeyed his holy will." 

In the year 1789, she was married to William 
Smith, of Doncaster. He was a man of amiable 
disposition and upright character ; and one who, 
through a long life, was highly esteemed, both 
in the Society and amongst his neighbours. In 
the report of a local Institution soon after his de- 
cease, it was publicly declared of him : " To lessen 
human suffering, in whatever form it might be 
presented, was the object of his unwearied solici- 
tude ; and in the prosperity of benevolent Institu- 
tions he cordially rejoiced ; but never failed to 
ascribe their success to the Giver of all good." 
No less unwearied, we believe, was his solicitude 
to walk humbly with his God. 

About the 60th year of his age he believed 
himself constrained to become a preacher of the 
Gospel in our religious meetings ; and although 
his gift was not large, yet by his faithfully occupy- 
ing therewith, he was an acceptable minister 
amongst us, and repeatedly travelled in this cha- 
racter with the approbation of the monthly meet- 
ing of which he was a member. He was a dili- 
gent attender of all our meetings both for worship 
and discipline, uniformly manifesting his love to 
his friends, and devotedness to promote the cause 
of truth and righteousness, both by example and 
precept. 

During the last illness of this dear friend, and 
24* 



282 MARTHA SMITH, 

near his close, his expressions afforded much con- 
soling evidence of his firm faith and trust in the 
merits of his dear Redeemer. In reply to an ob- 
servation made that the Lord was near to him, he 
emphatically said, " I cannot express to the full, 
the gratitude I feel for his mercies, which are an- 
cient and new." At another time he observed, 
" My prospect is clear ;" and again, " I am happy. 
Dear friends are as precious to me as ever. — I 
have done with all earthly things." And his last 
words which could be gathered were, " What a 
favour ! What a favour !" Thus, through faith in 
the redeeming love and mercy of a crucified Savi- 
our, the sting of death was taken away, and the 
declaration of the royal Psalmist realised in his 
experience, " Mark the perfect man and behold 
the upright, for the end of that man is peace." 
He died at the age of 76. 

Martha Smith was a minister forty-two years. 
The first surrender of herself to this important 
work, was about a year after her marriage. At 
this time, two individuals were on a visit of friend- 
ship ; but in a religious opportunity in the family 
one morning, a persuasion attended their minds, 
that from a want of obedience, in the exercise of 
that faith which worketh by love, the subject of 
this memoir had been withholding this sacrifice to 
her own suffering and loss ; and she was encour- 
aged to yield herself to Divine disposal. 

In the course of the same opportunity, a little 
matter arose in her mind, accompanied by the 
feeling of religious exercise, to which she yielded 
in these words : " Speak to my people that they 
go forward." Subsequently on their making a 



MARTHA SMITH. 283 

few friendly calls, the hovering wing of Divine 
regard was so evidently felt, as to draw unexpect- 
edly, into short seasons of silent retirement ; in 
which the subject of this memoir, encouraged by 
the feelings of peace which attended the first sac- 
rifice, was made willing to yield to renewed im- 
pressions of duty, and to offer some further, 
though very brief proofs, of her dedication to her 
great Master's will. 

By these repeated acts of dedication, so evident- 
ly under right influence, as to afford much comfort 
to the Friends of her own meeting, her mind 
was also strengthened to give up to a more public 
espousal of that cause, which is dignified with im- 
mortality, and crowned with eternal life. 

In the subsequent exercise of her gift, she paid 
religious visits to Friends in many parts of this 
country ; she was also frequently engaged in 
visiting them in their families. 

About the year 1814, she was attacked with a 
very severe illness which proved to be of more 
than two years' continuance. This was to her 
a time of spiritual instruction and refinement ; 
her patience was very closely exercised: but 
ultimately all her trials tended to her further 
establishment in faith and confidence in the 
atoning blood of the blessed Redeemer, and she 
was often led publicly to commemorate this blessed 
sacrifice. 

She continued subject to much debility and 
langour of body and depression, until the year 
1825, when she was again raised up and sent forth 
in her great Master's service ; and enabled to 
perform several religious visits, to the admiration 



284 MARY STACEY. 

of her friends, until the year 1830 ; after which 
her travels were principally confined to her own 
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, which she at- 
tended under much bodily infirmity. 

About four months before her decease, she ex- 
perienced a very deep trial, in the sudden removal 
of her kind and affectionate husband, by an attack 
of cholera ; but she was favoured with an humble 
and contrite state of mind ; and was enabled about 
this time to say : " My soul can now sweetly 
rest as in the bosom of Jesus ; earnestly desiring 
to cast all my care upon Him ; who has merciful- 
ly afforded me a secret hope, that I am wash- 
ed in his own precious blood ; and that he will 
give me an inheritance among all them that are 
sanctified," 

Very little before the solemn close, she thus ex- 
pressed her readiness to depart ; " 1 have nothing 
to do but to die : I have neither earthly nor hea- 
venly works to perform." She died in great 
peace in the 70th year of her age. 



"The memory of the just is blessed," and we 
feel this to be emphatically true, as applied to 
the character of our beloved and honoured friend, 
Mary Stacey, who was enabled, through the 
course of a long life, to show forth the praises of 
Him who had called her out of darkness into His 
marvellous light. 

She was born at Kendal in the Eighth month, 
1755, and was the daughter of Isaac and Rachel 
Wilson, who were much valued as ministers in 



MARY STACEY. 285 

our Society. She truly honoured them, and ever 
retained a thankful sense of the goodness of God 
to her in the blessing of such parents. They 
were concerned to bring up their children in the 
fear and love of the Almighty ; and in a high 
value for those views of the spirituality of the 
religion of Christ, which Friends have believed 
themselves called to uphold. 

In the nineteenth year of her age, when absent 
from home on a visit, Mary Stacey was seriously 
afflicted by the death of her eldest sister. This 
event, through Divine mercy, was made the means 
of deeply impressing her with the truth, that "one 
thing is needful." She strongly felt the vanity 
of her past life, and the insignificance of every 
thing in comparison with the favour of God, 
whose grace was at that time sweetly drawing 
her to seek first the kingdom of heaven. She 
has often remarked, on recurring to this period, 
that the visitation was not so much one of terror 
for past transgressions, as a conviction of the 
unspeakable love of God, and of the blessedness 
of conformity to His will. Thus, through the 
operation of the Holy Spirit, was her mind brought 
into deep contrition and true repentance before 
Him. From this time there was a marked change 
in her habits and deportment. She became an 
instructive example of self-denial to her young 
friends, proving to them that her affections were 
now set on things above. The light reading in 
which she had taken so much pleasure was given 
up, and the Bible, with books of a devotional 
nature, became her frequent companions. This 
was not to the exclusion of works calculated to 



2^6 HAKY STAGEY. 

store the mind with really useful knowledge ; for 
the cultivation of the intellect was ever regarded 
by her as a duty not to be neglected by the 
watchful Chistian. The death of her beloved 
mother, not long after the period above alluded 
to, when in London on religious service, was 
blessed in its effect on her already awakened 
mind, to her furtherance in the right way of the 
Lord ; and she may thenceforward be viewed as 
having entered on that course of usefulness, in 
which she shone forth conspicuously in after life. 

In the year 1781 our dear friend was united 
in marriage to George Stacey, and became a 
member of the Quarterly Meeting of London and 
Middlesex, in which she was previously little 
known, and where she felt herself much a stran- 
ger, But faithfully endeavouring to serve God, 
and in watchfulness and humility to follow the 
guidance of His Spirit, she gained the love, esteem, 
and confidence of her friends, and for some years 
acceptably filled the stations of overseer and elder 
among them. 

It was in the year 1793 that she first yielded 
to an apprehension of religious duty which she 
had long felt, to speak as a minister of the gospel. 
A sense of the awfulness of the engagement, in a 
mind which shrunk from such a public course of 
conduct, led her into deep humiliation and secret 
conflict ; but she was strengthened to surrender 
her own will to what she believed to be the will 
of her Divine Mas *er. Her ministry was delivered 
in the fear of God, being attended by a solemn 
sense of his purity and holiness, and under the 
constraining power of the love of Christ ; and 



MARY STAGEY. 287 

hence it was edifying to her friends. We have 
an instructive remembrance of the reverence of 
her engagements, more especially in prayer. 

She travelled in the exercise of her gift in the 
ministry in the eastern and northern counties, and 
was alike acceptably engaged within the limits of 
our own Quarterly Meeting. She also yielded to 
the judgment of her friends, in paying visits in 
different parts of the nation, which were made by 
special appointment of the Yearly Meeting ; an 
engagement for which she was well qualified, as 
well as for service in meetings for discipline, in 
which, under a lively interest, she took a very 
acceptable and useful part. 

It was her great concern to dedicate the gifts 
and talents with which she was entrusted, to the 
service of her Lord, and thus they became im- 
proved and enlarged. She enjoyed the society of 
her friends, and was given to hospitality. Her 
conversation was instructive and improving in its 
character, seasoned with grace, and accompanied 
by true Christian kindness, rendering the way of 
righteousness attractive and lovely to others. She 
feelingly and willingly entered into the concerns 
of her fellow-labourers in the ministry, and was 
in various ways helpful to them ; and her counsel 
and judgment as an elder in the church continued 
to be highly valued. To the young and inex- 
perienced, whose feet were happily turned into 
the way to Zion, she was a judicious friend and 
counsellor, being concerned, whilst kindly enter- 
ing into their circumstances, to direct them to 
the Lord as their refuge and their strength. 



288 MARY STACEY. 

Many who are now living have cause to give 
thanks unto Him, in that she was made an instru- 
ment of good to them. 

When in the vigour of her days, and during 
her more immediate connexion with Friends of 
London, the latter part of which time she was a 
member of the Peel Monthly Meeting, as well as 
after her removal to Tottenham, in the year 1808, 
as long as bodily health permitted, our dear friend 
was remarkable for her attention to the sick and 
afflicted, visiting them, and giving herself up to 
serve them in illness, or when bereft of tender 
connexions, or brought into trouble from other 
causes. Having experienced the goodness of the 
Lord to her own soul, she was often, on these 
occasions, made an instrument, both by example 
and by counsel, to direct her friends to Him who 
is the physician of value, the comforter of the 
afflicted. 

It was her daily practice, independent of the 
usual times for assembling the family to read the 
Scriptures, to retire into her own chamber for the 
purpose of waiting upon God. These seasons 
appear to have been eminently blessed to the 
strengthening of her faith and the deepening of 
her religious character. It has been often re* 
marked by her family, that her countenance, after 
these occasions, beamed with unusual sweetness 
and heavenly serenity, conveying the impression 
that she had been with Jesus, and thus attracting 
her children, and those around her, to their Savi- 
our, by the persuasive language of example. 

The guarded education of our dear friend had 
preserved her from many of the temptations and 



MARY STAGEY. 289 

contaminations of the world ; yet she was often 
humbled under a strong sense of her many trans- 
gressions and her proneness to sin, of her awful 
responsibility as an accountable being, and of that 
purity of heart, and holiness in ail manner of 
conversation, to which we are called. Thus it was 
given her to see that the work of sanctification is 
no superficial thing, but that which ought to 
become the great business of life. Many and 
deep were her baptisms ; they did not, however, 
produce gloominess of character, but Christian 
gravity, which was accompanied with great cheer- 
fulness. She was habitually active, doing with 
alacrity what her hands found to do. It was 
her continued concern to be found bearing her 
daily cross and the yoke of Christ ; and thus she 
proved his love to be a source of comfort and of 
hope. 

In the year 1816 she was, by death, deprived 
of her valued husband, whose memory as an up- 
right man, who feared God, and as a faithful 
elder in the church, is still honoured amongst us. 
They had lived together as fellow- labourers and 
helpers, closely united in tender affection and 
religious fellowship. Our "beloved friend bore 
this heavy trial with much submission, and was 
enabled at the grave-side feelingly to appeal to 
the Searcher of hearts, and, acknowledging that 
it was in his fear that she had entered into the 
union which, as far as related to the body, was 
now dissolved, to ask for the continuance of his 
mercy to the end of her days. On reviewing the 
years of her married life, they present us with a 
striking and instructive evidence that the Lord in 
25 



290 MARY STAGEY. 

wisdom ordereth the ways of his children, who 
are concerned to look with a single eye to his 
guidance. 

Our dear friend survived her husband twenty- 
years. Her usefulness continued ; her humility 
increased. It is* sweet and animating to look 
back to the evening of her pilgrimage ; when she 
seemed to be as one waiting for the coming of 
her Lord, who might adopt the language, " God 
has been the strength of my life, and He will be 
my portion forever." She was a very diligent 
attender of our religious meetings, and that even 
to nearly the last day of her life. In this solemn 
duty, and in her reverent waiting upon God on 
these occasions, she was a bright example. 

The following memorandum was written by 
her in the year 1828. "The consideration of 
my advanced period of life has for some time past 
awfully affected my mind ; and a few days ago a 
very serious attack of sickness seemed almost 
ready, to announce, that time, to me, should be 
no longer ; the poor frame has, however, been 
permitted to revive, no doubt in Divine mercy 
and goodness, in order that the great work of 
sanctification may be more fully accomplished. 
Oh, may I be strengthened to keep this object 
continually in view, that the few remaining days 
allotted me, in this state of probation, may be 
rendered a pure offering of thanksgiving and 
praise, through the mercy of Christ Jesus." 

After this period the powers of nature obvious- 
ly became less vigorous ; but the strong sympathy 
with human woe, which had marked her path 
through life, continued to shed its influence 



MARY ST ACE Y. 291 

around her, and when she could no longer ad- 
minister, by her personal succour, to the help of 
others, she was still anxious to bestow of her 
substance for the relief of the poor and afflicted. 

The sufferings of the enslaved negro population 
in our Colonies deeply affected her mind, and 
she was for many years, conspicuous in her 
endeavours to promote the benevolent efforts of 
such as were instrumental in ameliorating their 
condition. 

Her experience was accompanied by a hum- 
bling sense of being an unprofitable servant ; and 
in her declining years, in the frequent review of 
former days, she peculiarly felt that to her be- 
longed blushing and confusion of face. The 
awfulness of these convictions produced deep con- 
trition, and prostrated her soul as in the dust. 
Under these feelings she was, through the mercy 
and loving-kindness of the Most High, permitted 
from time to time to rest, in living faith, on that 
blessed Gospel-truth, that eternal life is the gift of 
God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

After returning from a meeting appointed for 
the Friends of her own Quarterly Meeting, on 
the 25th of the Twelfth month, 1833, our dear 
friend remarked that she had that morning been 
much engaged in thinking of the close of all 
things here, that probably her days would not be 
many ; and how infinitely important it was for 
her to know her peace made with God. She 
further observed, that soon after taking her seat 
in that meeting, the language seemed sweetly 
sounded in her ears, " Thy sins are forgiven 
thee, for the sake of Christ." Adding, " My 



292 JAMES NICHOLSON. 

mind has been so filled with peace, that it seemed 
as if nothing could disturb me." 

The devotional language of the book of Psalms 
was very refreshing to her, to the last day of 
conscious existence. When little ability remain- 
ed for listening to general reading, the experience 
of the sweet Psalmist of Israel was heard with 
thankfulness, as a song of praise ever new. 
About ten days before the final change, she said, 
one evening, on retiring to rest, that she felt low, 
and it would seem a favour if the Almighty saw 
fit to remove her ; but this would be a solemn 
prospect. On its being remarked to her that her 
dependence was on the mercy of her Saviour, she 
replied with unusual strength and animation, 
" Yes — it is on that, and on that only." 

The immediate approach of death was marked 
by unconscious slumber. She quietly expired 
without any apparent suffering, after being only 
two days alarmingly ill, aged 80 years ; and we 
reverently believe that she has joined the ran- 
somed of the Lord, who come to Zion with songs 
and everlasting joy ; and who forever sing the 
praises of the Lord and the Lamb. 



James Nicholson, the son of Thomas and 
Elizabeth Nicholson, was born at Whitehaven in 
the year 1795. It appears that in early life he 
was favoured with a sense of the convicting, re- 
generating power of the Holy Spirit ; and yielding 
obedience to its dictates, he was made willing to 
bear his cross, and in humility to follow his gra- 



JAMES NICHOLSON. 293 

Clous Redeemer. Being concerned to abide under 
the sanctifying influence of Divine grace, he ex- 
perienced preservation ; and was enabled to be- 
come a preacher of righteousness, in life and 
conversation, and to bring forth fruits to the praise 
of Him whose blessing peculiarly rests on an early 
surrender of heart to his service. 

In the year 1823 he believed that it was requir- 
ed of him publicly to declare to others the un- 
searchable riches of Christ, and what had, in 
unmerited mercy, been done for his own soul. 

His communications in the ministry were in- 
structive and edifying. He was often earnestly 
engaged to impress upon Friends the importance 
of an early dedication of heart, and the need of 
watchfulness unto true prayer, that a preparation 
might be experienced, lest the solemn messenger 
should be sent to any in an unexpected moment. 

His views of Christian redemption were clear, 
sound, and scriptural ; a living faith in the aton- 
ing sacrifice of Christ our Saviour, being accom- 
panied with a full belief in the necessity of obe- 
dience to Divine grace in the soul. 

In his solemn approaches to the footstool of 
Divine mercy, his mind was clothed with deep 
reverence, manifesting self abasement, and much 
fervency of spirit. 

He was often concerned to exhort Friends faith- 
fully to maintain our various Christian testimonies, 
and that the affairs of Society should be conducted 
under the influence and direction of Divine wis- 
dom. 

Love to God, and to his fellow men, being 
sweetly pourtrayed in the character of this dear 
25* 



294 JAMES NICHOLSON. 

friend, he was affectionately disposed to sympa- 
thise with the afflicted, and through the abound- 
ings of the love of Christ, he was frequently 
enabled to administer comfort and consolation to 
minds bowed down in seasons of deep probation. 

In the year 1832 he was united in marriage to 
his friend Sarah Waite, a member of the same 
meeting ; but this endearing tie was soon severed, 
no doubt in unerring wisdom. 

Having been in a declining state of health, (and 
the fatal nature of his complaint not being for 
some time apprehended,) and believing it right to 
use all suitable means for its restoration, he was 
induced to take a journey on that account. He 
reached Carlisle without much apparent fatigue, 
where, at the house of his brother-in-law, symp- 
toms of approaching dissolution appeared. While 
the issue of the complaint was hid from his view, 
he had often to express, in much brokenness of 
spirit, his resignation to the Divine will, however 
it might terminate. 

On the day preceding his death, which took 
place on the 9th of Sixth month, 1836, a few 
friends calling to see him, he entered with much 
interest and feeling into the state of our Society ; 
and concluded some instructive observations in 
nearly these words : " I firmly believe that He 
who raised us to be a people will never suffer the 
Christian testimonies, of which we make a profes- 
sion, to fall to the ground ; but, Friends, hold to 
your principles, for we have not followed cunning- 
ly devised fables." 

A short time before his decease, he said to a 
friend, " Oh, how my love abounds to my friends ! 



JOSEPH BINNS. 295 

I always loved them ; but I think I never felt it 
so much before : perhaps I am not going to be 
long amongst you." On the last morning of his 
life, his dear wife was strengthened to inform him, 
that it was the opinion of his medical attendant 
that his close drew near ; and soon after inquired 
if any thing rested upon his mind. He with much 
composure, replied y " No ; I feel quite resigned, 
and am perfectly easy in body and mind. If any 
thing further is required of me, time will be given." 
He again repeated, " We have not followed cun- 
ningly devised fables." He then desired his dear 
love to be given to many of his friends, and in a 
short time afterwards very peacefully passed 
away, at the age of forty-one years. 

Thus closed the life of our much loved friend. 
He had we believe, in time of health, endeavoured 
to know an establishment on the only sure foun- 
dation — Christ Jesus, the Rock of Ages ; and 
thus, through the infinite mercy and loving-kind- 
ness of our God, we humbly trust his spirit was 
permitted to enter into his glorious kingdom, to 
unite with the just of all generations, in singing 
praises to the Lord God, and to the Lamb, for 
evermore. 



Joseph Binns, the son of Thomas and Rachel 
Binns, was born at Exeter the 11th of the Second 
month, 1774. He was educated at Ackworth 
School, and on quitting that Institution he went to 
London, and was soon placed as a clerk in the 
East India house, where he continued several 



296 JOSEPH bin 

years, exposed to much temptation and very un- 
profitable company. In after life he frequently 
recurred to this period with deep feelings of gra- 
titude and thankfulness, recounting the mercies of 
the Lord in following him with his goodness, and 
in preserving him from many of those snares by 
which he was surrounded. He was afterwards 
many years engaged as a commercial traveller in 
a concern in which eventually he became a part- 
ner, and continued to reside in London until his 
death. 

He was the subject of many convicting and 
merciful visitations at different stages of his life ; 
but it does not appear that he fully yielded to 
these manifestations of Divine love until the year 
1824, when he was attacked with an alarming 
illness, from which his recovery appeared very 
doubtful. At this season it pleased the Lord 
again powerfully and awfully to impress his mind 
with a sense of his undone condition, and of the 
fulness and freeness of redeeming grace. The 
following extracts from a letter written about this 
time, by a near relation, are descriptive of the 
state of his mind at that critical period. 

" When laid on the bed of sickness, with the 
prospect of an awful eternity before him, accom- 
panied with a deep inward sense of his utter 
unfitness to appear before the tribunal of the just 
Judge of { quick and dead,' he was brought into 
such distress and anguish of soul as words cannot 
describe ; the billows of dismay and despair seem- 
ed ready to ingulph him, hardly daring to lift up 
his eyes and say, c Lord be merciful to me a sin- 
ner.' After having thus to pass through the val- 



JOSEPH BINNS. 297 

ley of the shadow of death, and being stripped of 
all the ' filthy rags' of his own righteousness, with 
which he had heretofore sought to cover himself, 
he was enabled to cry out, ' A Saviour, or I die ! 
a Redeemer, or I utterly perish !' After this season 
of conflict a ray of comfort broke through the 
thick darkness with w r hich his path had been sur- 
rounded, and he was favoured to witness that 
there was still ' balm in Gilead, and a physician 
there,' who was all-sufficient and ready to heal all 
his diseases, and to set his captive spirit free. 
The command, ' Peace, be still,' seemed to go 
forth, ' and there was a great calm.' His now 
broken and contrited spirit was prostrated before 
the throne of grace. He was enabled to pour 
forth the effusions of a heart overflowing with 
gratitude for so great a deliverance, and was led 
to desire, if it should be consistent with the Divine 
will, that his life might be spared a little longer, 
and that he might be enabled by devotedness and 
obedience to the requirings of Infinite Wisdom, to 
encourage and animate others, by example as well 
as by precept, to follow on in that path which 
alone leads to true rest and peace." 

Our dear friend was mercifully enabled to bow in 
submission to these renewed extensions of Divine 
love, and after many conflicts and deep baptisms 
of spirit, he gave up to what he believed to be the 
Divine requirings, and in the year 1830, appeared 
in a few words as a minister in our religious meet- 
ings. Continuing watchful and faithful to the 
discoveries of the light of Christ, he was enlarged 
in his gift, to the comfort and edification of his 
friends. 



298 JOSEPH BIXXS. 

His communications were weighty and impres- 
sive, and delivered in the life and power of the 
gospel. He often appeared like one who felt as 
if standing on the brink of eternity, whilst plead- 
ing with his friends, and seeking to persuade them 
by what he had himself known of the terrors of 
the Lord for sin, and by those mercies of which 
he had so largely partaken, to flee from the wrath 
to come. On these occasions love, Christian love 
and humility were conspicuously the clothing of 
his spirit, earnestly desiring the salvation of all, 
and especially exhorting the youth, that by an 
early submission to the visitations of the love of 
God to their souls, they might escape ihose con- 
flicts and trials which he had passed through in 
having so long resisted the offers of Divine grace. 

Considering himself, to adopt his own expres- 
sions, as a monument of Divine mercy, and as a 
brand plucked from the burning, he was a tender 
counsellor to those under conflict of mind, exhort- 
ing them to lift up their heads in hope, and cast 
themselves in living faith upon the mercy of God 
in Christ Jesus — that mercy which had so emi- 
nently followed and sustained him. 

Toward the end of the year 1S35, in company 
with our friend Robert Alsop, of Maldon, he paid 
an acceptable visit to the families of Friends of 
his own monthly meeting. On returning the 
minute granted him, in a very feeling and broken 
manner he acknowledged, that he could adopt the 
language, " Return unto thy rest, oh, my soul, 
for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." 
And in alluding, a short time before his decease, 
to this engagement, he said that he had been 



JOSEPH BINNS. 299 

wonderfully strengthened to perform it to his own 
admiration and peace of mind. 

The last illness of this beloved friend was of 
short duration, and attended with much bodily 
suffering. At one period he was permitted to 
experience the buifetings of the adversary, yet he 
could acknowledge that his faith and confidence 
never wholly forsook him ; and though he could 
not clearly see how the illness might terminate, 
he believed his release was near at hand, and 
hoped to be preserved in patience, to wait the ap- 
pointed time. At one time he repeated the text 
of Scripture, " In my Father's house are many 
mansions ; if it were not so I would have told 
you. I go to prepare a place for you, that where 
J am there ye may be also." At another time he 
exclaimed, " O ! death where is thy sting ? O ! 
grave where is thy victory 1 the sting of death is 
sin, and the strength of sin is the law ; but 
thanks be to God who giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ." And he signi- 
fied what a mercy it was to know that his innu- 
merable sins and transgressions were washed away 
in the blood of his Redeemer. The day previous 
to his removal he said, " T die firm in the faith of 
my dear Redeemer, and in the principles profes- 
sed by our worthy predecessors ;" remarking that 
he had passed through many deep baptisms, on 
account of those who were in any degree depart- 
ing from those principles : also that his mind, at 
that season, was peculiarly clothed with love for 
them, accompanied with ardent desires that they 
might be all favoured to meet in a blessed eterni- 
ty. He was deeply exercised for the prosperity 



300 ELIZABETH RIDGWAY. 

of the church at large, and for the universal spread 
of the gospel ; also, that none might be discou- 
raged at the apparently low state of our Society ; 
but keep their eye steadily directed to that power 
which alone can preserve on the immovable Foun- 
dation : and he was afterwards engaged in prayer 
for exercised individuals, that they might be ena- 
bled " to look upon Zion, the city of our solemni- 
ties," and to behold " Jerusalem a quiet habita- 
tion." He expressed to his wife, shortly before 
his close, that every cloud was now removed, and 
the change to him would be unspeakably glorious. 
His last hours were almost wholly employed in 
thanksgiving, adoration, and praise for the bright 
prospect vouchsafed to him of an entrance into the 
mansions of eternal bliss. 

He died at his residence in Horslydown, the 
19th of Second month, 1836. He was aged sixty- 
two years. 



Elizabeth Ridgway, daughter of George 
and Elizabeth Penrose, was born in the city of 
Waterford, in the year 1757. It appears that in 
early life, her mind was favoured with the tender- 
ing visitations of Divine love, to which she measu- 
rably yielded. At the age of eighteen she was 
united in marriage to Henry Ridgway, a respect- 
able merchant of her native city ; and, through 
the continued extension of the Lord's preserving 
power, she was strengthened to discharge, with 
much propriety, the various important duties 
which devolved upon her. It was her chief 



ELIZABETH RIDGWAY. 301 

desire to act in obedience to the manifested will of 
God, and her conduct was remarkable for great 
circumspection and consistency. She was reli- 
giously concerned for the best interests of her 
children, anxiously watching over their infant 
minds, and endeavouring to restrain them from 
those things which had a tendency to lead them 
from the fear of their Creator. She possessed a 
tender, susceptible heart, sympathising with the 
afflicted, and kindly interested in the wants of her 
poor neighbours, to the relief of whose necessities 
she liberally contributed. 

Having, in her own blessed experience, proved 
the efficacy of Divine grace, she was led, under 
the constraining power of heavenly love, to testify 
to others of its sufficiency ; and about the 39th 
year of her age, she became an acceptable minister 
of the gospel. In the exercise of her gift, her 
communications were generally short, but weigh- 
ty, comprehensive, and edifying. She was a 
diligent attender of our meetings for worship and 
discipline, and her solid, reverent deportment in 
them was peculiarly instructive. She was several 
times engaged in visiting the families of the 
members of her own and some other meetings, 
much to the comfort of her friends. Her last 
engagement in this labour of love was performed 
only a few months before her decease. 

Amongst her papers was found a memorandum 
of some religious service which she apprehended 
was required of her by Him whose ways are not 
as man's ways, nor his thoughts as man's thoughts. 
These remarks were penned about the Tenth month, 
1808. After alluding to a sense of her own 
26 



302 ELIZABETH RIDGWAY. 

weakness and poverty, she adds, " For some 
years T have apprehended that I should be called 
to some public service, and at times I thought it 
would be such as was not very common ; but felt 
resigned to do whatever my dear Lord and Mas- 
ter required of me ; and in a wonderful manner it 
was made known to me that I was to pay a visit 
to the public houses, and that a companion would 
be provided for me ; and accordingly, when dear 
Thomas Shillitoe came to Ireland on a religious 
visit, he was pointed out to me to be the person." 

Having laid her concern before Friends and 
obtained their sympathy and concurrence, she 
commenced this humiliating engagement, accom- 
panied by our friend Thomas Shillitoe, who felt 
his mind drawn to unite with her. In the course 
of this visit they were led to seek religious oppor- 
tunities with the keepers of such houses, exhorting 
them in a solid manner, and warning them of the 
hurtful consequences attendant on the improper 
use of strong liquors, whereby they might, in a 
greater or less degree, be accessory to the injury 
of their fellow-creatures. In the performance of 
this duty they were generally well received, and 
way opened to them to their humbling admiration, 
where at times there appeared no way. They 
subsequently believed it to be their duty to explain 
to the inhabitants, in two of the public market 
places in Waterford, the nature of their concern. 
They also paid similar visits in four of the neigh- 
bouring towns, and on the way to those places. 

In 1827 her beloved partner was removed by 
death, after a union of upwards of fifty years. 



ELIZABETH RIDGWAY. 303 

She endured this sore bereavement with humble 
submission to the Divine will. 

In the Twelfth month 1832, the sudden removal 
of her eldest son after a short illness, was too 
great a shock for nature to sustain. Although 
the spirit meekly bowed in Christian resignation 
to the heavy stroke, her health sunk under it. 
Her expression to a friend who visited her on the 
following day was, " The will of the Lord must 
be done." 

After this very afflictive event she was able to 
attend but two meetings for worship, in one 
of which she was engaged in solemn supplication, 
craving the blessing of the Most High on the va- 
ried dispensations of his providence, and that his 
merciful designs therein might be fully answered. 
She likewise attended another meeting the day 
following, near the conclusion of which, in much 
sweetness and brokenness of spirit, she uttered 
the following expressions, " Praise the Lord for 
his goodness, for his mercy endureth forever. 
He is the Lord of lords, and God of gods. 
Praise him for his mercy endureth forever." 
After this time she was mostly confined to the 
house, during which period (upwards of six 
months) she evinced much resignation to the Di- 
vine will, often desiring that it might be done in 
all things respecting her. Her mind was remark- 
ably clothed with the garment of humility, and 
though at times the full evidence of acceptance 
was not permitted, she was favoured with a hope, 
that, through redeeming love and mercy, she 
should be admitted into everlasting rest. 

Some time before her decease she ventured to 



304 ELIZABETH R IDG WAY. 

tell a near connexion of her deep spiritual con- 
flicts, adding, " It will be in unmerited and won- 
derful mercy if I am admitted into the lowest 
mansion. I have nothing to trust to but the 
redeeming love and mercy of my Saviour, and I 
am very unworthy of it." 

On the 4th of Sixth mo. 1833, the day before 
her decease, she imparted much weighty counsel, 
and sent messages to many absent relatives and 
friends. Her concern for her grandchildren was 
great, earnestly desiring that they might avoid the 
vain customs and fashions and maxims of this 
world, and, by living in the fear of God, become 
what he would have them to be. 

On the morning of her last day she said, " I 
feel such confidence, faith, and peace — I have 
great inward peace. — I want nothing outward. — 
All through the love and mercy of my Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ !" In commemorating the 
blessings and favours bestowed upon her she re- 
peated, " Oh, wonderful ! wonderful ! what shall 
I, or what can I render for all ! the love of the 
Almighty is wonderful, unlimited ; I feel it to- 
ward every creature in the world, from the king 
on the throne to the beggar at the door." At 
another time she said, "Oh! the privilege, my 
dear children, of being brought up in the nurture 
and admonition of the Lord." 

On her medical attendant visiting her, and 
saying that he left her in the hands of the great 
Physician of value, she replied, " Yes, through the 
mercy of my blessed Redeemer and Intercessor, 
all is peace within ; nothing lies heavy on my 
mind. Farewell in the Lord !" She requested 



SARAH GREEN. 305 

her children to pray for her release in the Lord's 
time, and that he would grant her an easy passage. 
She expressed her desire that all might be quiet 
at the solemn time. Feeling much exhausted, she 
petitioned, " Oh Lord, help me ! dearest Father of 
life and glory, help me ! Oh, blessed Jesus, help 
me, and guard me on the right hand and on the 
left !" and she concluded with returning thanks to 
God, ascribing unto him " adoration and praise 
forever and ever.' 3 She afterwards fell into a 
gentle sleep, in which the redeemed spirit was 
quietly and peacefully released from its earthly 
tabernacle, to enter, we trust, into the inheritance 
which is " incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth 
not away." 



In the account of our dear friend, Sarah 
Green, of Philadelphia, North America, we have 
an example of the meek and humble Christian, 
endeavouring to perform with cheerfulness and 
alacrity her various social and religious duties, and 
so to follow her Divine Master in the obedience of 
faith, as to " adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour." 

She was born in the year 1708, and from a 
child was remarkable for her frail and delicate 
constitution, as well as for the sweetness of her 
disposition, and the suavity of her manners. 

Educated under the watchful eye of her mother, 
(her father having died when she was but three 
months old,) though she departed from the straight 
and narrow path, to participate in some of the 
vanities and frivolities too incident to youth and 
26* 



306 SARAH C.REEN. 

gay society ; yet, she appears even then to have 
felt, and in some measure to have given heed to, 
the convicting and restraining influence of that 
grace and good Spirit, which was secretly at work 
in her heart ; and early to have been led to see 
the emptiness and deceitfulness of the pleasures 
and customs of the world. Still, however, she 
struggled on, without a perfect willingness being 
wrought in her, to turn her back upon the allure- 
ments of the world, and to take up her daily cross 
as becomes a true disciple of a crucified Lord ; 
when the unexpected death of her beloved mother, 
(who expired suddenly while they were alone to- 
gether,) broke up all her false rest, cast a thick 
shade over every pleasant picture, and aroused 
her to a more just sense of the inestimable value 
of time, the danger of delay, and the awful respon- 
sibility resting upon her as a candidate for eternal 
life. This event occurred when she was in the 
twenty-fifth year of her age. 

She was now prepared to make a more full sur- 
render of her will to the Divine will ; and in hum- 
ble reliance upon Him who was calling her to 
glory and virtue, and with the strength which he 
mercifully vouchsafed, she strove to follow him in 
the way of his leadings. And as in simple obe- 
dience, she yielded to the teaching of the Holy 
Spirit, and complied with his requisitions as mani- 
fested in the secret of her heart, she was led 
along, step by step, and broken off from one thing 
after another, until old things were done away, 
and all things became new. 

In the progress of this great work, she found 
that it was necessary for her to give up the plea- 



SARAH GREEN. 307 

sures, the honours, and the vain customs of this 
world, and to come into much plainness and cir- 
cumspection, passing the time of her sojourning 
here in fear. She appears to have passed through 
many sore conflicts of mind, before she was made 
willing to lay aside her fashionable attire, and 
clothe herself with that simplicity which she saw 
was becoming the character of a follower of Christ. 
This reluctance was attributable, not so much to 
any great delight which she took in adorning her 
person, or an attachment to gay clothing, as to an 
unwillingness to make an open renunciation of the 
world, and confess Christ before men, lest she 
might not be able to live up to such a profession. 
But when, finding that nothing less would do, she 
yielded herself a willing sacrifice, her reward was 
great, and it may be truly said, that through 
mercy, her adorning became that which in the 
sight of God is of great price, even the ornament 
of a meek and quiet spirit. 

The following extracts from a manuscript, found 
among her papers after her decease, appear to be 
descriptive of her feelings, about this time. 

" This was a day of tender visitation to my 
poor tossed mind, and may it never be remember- 
ed by me but with feelings of humble, reverential 
awe. I was often led to contemplate what pro- 
gress I was making Zionward, or what return I 
was making for the unmerited blessings so boun- 
tifully bestowed upon me ; and as my feeble cries 
ascended to Thy throne, most Holy Father ! 
thou didst cast on me a look of benign mercy, 
which caused me to hope, and cry mightily to 
thee ! Thou didst, in an admirable manner, listen 



308 SARAH GliEEX. 

to my pleadings, and incline thy gracious ear to 
me: and in a pardoning voice thou seemed to say 
to my contrite soul, ' thy sins are forgiven thee ;' 
4 this day is salvation come to thy house.' Oh, 
most gracious Father! may this Divine visitation 
never be effaced from my memory ; may thy 
tender dealings with me at this time excite me to 
press forward through every difficulty ; and may 
T often revert to the day of my espousals, when I 
covenanted with Thee, O Lord, that if thou 
wouldst be pleased to give me food and raiment, 
I would follow thee whithersoever thou wouldst 
lead me. My spirit was tenderly bowed when I 
reflected upon thy many slighted favours, and at 
the idea of being arrested by the strong arm of 
death, and summoned to appear at the dread 
tribunal, to hear the Judge pronounce the awful 
sentence, ' Depart from me, I know you not.' 
No language can express the horror that seized 
my mind, at the thought of being forever ex- 
cluded from my Maker, Preserver, and Redeemer. 
It was then I saw myself a poor guilty creature, 
hastening to a never-ending eternity. It was 
here I found the efficacy of being enabled to 
apply to the Physician of value. And blessed for- 
ever be his power ! for none save Him alone, who 
inhabits eternity, could have given me strength 
to prostrate my soul before him. * 

* * It was then my chains were 

loosened, and the Egyptian bondage broken. My 
tears flowed incessantly; they were tears of joy : 
for I had found Him whom my soul loved; he led 
me to his banqueting-house, and his banner over me 



SARAH GREEN. 309 

was love. Oh ! what a signal favour, to obtain 
what I had so long sought for. From the depths, 
I had often cried in the silent watches of the 
night, for mercy, mercy, ere my redemption had 
drawn nigh ; and I had felt the secret influence 
of grace, and the drawing cords of his love, often 
to lead me into retirement — to commune with my 
own heart, and be still. Ah, what are all the 
gratifications of this vain, fleeting world, compared 
to the feelings of those who have overcome the 
world ! How consoling, through faith to expe- 
rience the operations of his Spirit upon the mind ; 
* being justified by faith, we have peace with God 
through our Lord Jesus Christ.' I retired to bed, 
but not to sleep — and there continued in fervent 
supplication, until the day dawned, that my dear 
Redeemer would be pleased to keep me humble 
and submissive to his holy will. ' Weeping may 
endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morn- 
ing.' I arose in the morning refreshed, but not 
with sleep : I had wrestled and obtained the bless- 
ing of peace, for he never bade the wrestling seed 
of Jacob seek his face in vain. I had a sym- 
pathising interview with my dear . She 

strengthened and comforted me in my resolution, 
and wished she could make the same surrender. 
I can acknowledge with David, 'Thou hast put 
off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness ; 
to the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, 
and not be silent.' 

" Language is inadequate to describe the sweet 
peace that possessed my mind in this simple act 
of obedience. Here let me set my seal, that the 
Lord is a rich rewarder to all who seek to serve 



310 SARAH GREEN. 

him in true humility. And as faithfulness is abode 
in, he will carry on the work that he has gracious- 
ly begun. As willingness on my part is neces- 
sary for the completion of the work in me, Oh ! 
be pleased, thou precious Lamb, to intercede for 
me at thy Father's throne : that he may supply 
me with sufficient grace to perform his holy will ; 
for I am truly sensible that of myself I can do no 
good thing. — c Keep me in the way I should go, 
for thou hast been pleased to anoint my eyes with 
the eye-salve of thy kingdom ; and cause the dark 
shades of night to be dispelled, and the day to 
dawn. Oh, may the morning, in thy appointed 
time, when thou hast accomplished thy design in 
me, arise without a cloud ; and if consistent with 
thy Divine will, when the silver cord is about to 
be broken, oh, be thou near me, and cause my 
evening sun to set in clearness, that I may behold 
thy face, and sin no more.' " 

As has been before observed, her constitution 
was a very frail one, and she became subject to 
an affection of the head, attended with severe pain 
and sickness, which frequently confined her to 
her chamber. She was, however, when able, a 
diligent attender at her meeting ; often going 
there when she would not venture out to other 
places. 

Her tender and affectionate feelings rendered 
her peculiarly calculated to sympathise with and 
console those in distress, whether from sickness 
or poverty ; and when her health would admit, 
much of her time was spent in visiting and as- 
sisting such : taking care, however, that her alms 
should not be done before men, to be seen of them. 



SARAH GREEN. 311 

But as she was obliged to pass much time in her 
chamber, she was anxious it should be employed 
beneficially to others, as well as profitably to her- 
self; much of it, therefore, was occupied in having 
garments made, to be distributed among those 
whom she might, at some future time, find in want. 

The frequent recurrence of the attacks of dis- 
ease in the head, after some time affected her 
sight, so that for a while it appeared probable 
that she would be deprived of that most valuable 
sense. The anticipation of so great an affliction 
called forth no repining or murmuring; and in a 
letter to a friend, written when she had somewhat 
improved, she says, "I thought, speedily to have 
answered it, [a letter received,] but my eyes have 
been so weak, that I could not use them. I have 
fervently craved that I might improve by this 
affliction, and that my spiritual eyes may be di- 
rected to the source and centre of all good, — that 
I may be favoured from day to day to apply to 
the ever-flowing Fountain, to supplicate for grace 
sufficient to enable me to be resigned, should it be 
the will of my heavenly Father to deprive me of 
the organs of sight. May no murmuring thoughts 
escape from me, for surely my heart ought to be 
filled with gratitude, and my mouth with praises 
to Him who hath bestowed such countless bless- 
ings on me." 

Though anxious to have her mind fixed upon 
things above, and desirous to promote the cause 
of Truth, by encouraging others in their efforts to 
serve Him whom her soul loved ; yet was it more 
by example than precept: a fear prevailing in 
her heart, lest religious experience should be made 



312 SARAH GREEX. 

too much the subject of common conversation. 
During her lingering and suffering illness, how- 
ever, she bore emphatic testimony to the necessity 
of a practical belief in the doctrines of the gos- 
pel, and ceased not, while strength remained, to 
praise and magnify the mercy and love of her 
crucified Redeemer. 

In the winter of 1836-7, she was taken ill, and 
reduced so low, that very little, if any expectation 
was entertained of her recovery. She herself 
believed that the time had come, when she should 
be called to give an account of her stewardship. 
Through the whole course of this illness, though 
reduced very low in body, her mind was merci- 
fully preserved in peaceful, calm resignation to 
the Divine will ; and her belief was often ex- 
pressed, that if it should be the Lord's will to 
take her then, she should, through the mercy of 
her crucified and risen Saviour, be permitted to 
enter that city, not one of whose inhabitants can 
say, I am sick. 

But contrary to all probability, she slowly re- 
covered, so as to be able once more to be about 
the house, and once or twice ventured out to 
meeting. She, however, had not regained her 
accustomed strength, when the warm weather 
commenced ; and in the Seventh month of 1837, 
she went into the country, accompanied by her 
sister, for the purpose of recruiting her health, at 
the house of a dear Friend, where they had been 
accustomed for many years to spend part of the 
summer. 

Having taken cold a day or two after her arri- 
val, she was seized with a chill ; and fever coming 



SARAH GREEN. 313 

on, accompanied with severe pain in the chest, 
and difficulty of breathing, she was at once con- 
fined to her bed. The violence of the disease 
rapidly increased, and she was soon so much 
reduced, that it appeared likely to terminate life 
in a few days. Though it was a severe trial to 
be absent from home at such a time, and her anx- 
iety was great on account of her dear and only 
sister, from whom she had never been separated 
more than a few weeks ; yet she cheerfully acqui- 
esced in this dispensation of Providence, and 
observed that all things were ordered aright and 
for the best by her Divine Master ; and that if it 
was his will she should die there, she believed he 
would make it easy for her sister to give her up. 

The disorder being checked, her strength a 
little increased, and her physician being desirous 
she should be removed to the city, she was taken 
home. In the morning, before starting, she had 
an affecting and solemn interview with the mem- 
bers of the family, several of whom were young in 
years. She endeavoured to impress upon them 
the necessity of living a life of holiness ; entreat- 
ing them to remember their Holy Redeemer, 
what a sacrifice he had made for them ; and that 
nothing was too near or too dear to be parted 
with for his sake ; to love retirement ; and assur- 
ing them that if they were faithful to their Savi- 
our, he would indeed keep them in the day of trial. 

She expressed her deep gratitude and thank- 
fulness to her heavenly Father, at being permit- 
ted once more to return to her own chamber ; and 
evidently from her serious manner and reverent 
frame of mind, was anticipating the event which 
27 



314 SARAH GREEN. 

awaited her. On the morning of the fifth of the 
Tenth month, on awakening from sleep and being 
asked how she was, she replied, better ; and then 
with an animated countenance exclaimed, " Oh, 
the light, the light, the ineffable light ; my Fa- 
ther, my Saviour, my God ! Ah, this is life, 
peace, and assurance forever." And throughout 
the course of the day, she repeatedly said, " How 
wonderful that poor unworthy i, should be so 
peaceful, so unspeakably happy ; my Saviour, my 
precious Saviour, is very near." 

To her physician she said, on the morning of 
the sixth, u I have no pain, but am very weak. 
Dost thou not think it is the approach of death '? 
I have prayed, oh, how earnestly have I prayed, 
that it might come ; but I do desire to be patient. 
Oh ! nothing will do at such a time as this, but a 
firm belief, a full belief, in the dear Saviour. Oh ! 
how precious a thing it is to feel Him near to 
support me. He does support me. The world 
has long been receding from me, and through 
mercy I have been very much weaned from it, 
and brought to love my dear Saviour more and 
more." 

She was grateful for the comforts she enjoyed, 
and in speaking of them, said, " Oh, remember 
the poor, the sick poor." 

Seeing her sister much affected, she said, " We 
have a most merciful High Priest, touched with 
a feeling of all our infirmities ; he will, I believe 
he has forgiven ;" — and recommended prayer to 
God, and a firm belief in his promises. 

Throughout the whole course of the 10th, she 
was almost constantly employed in ejaculating 



SARAH GREEN. 315 

praises and thanksgiving to her merciful Redeem- 
er, frequently saying, " praise to God, praise to 
God." In the evening, she said to a young 
woman, who was assisting to make her comfort- 
able for the night, " how much I am obliged to 
thee for thy many kind attentions to me ;" add- 
ing, " we are all fast approaching that blessed 
city, I, in particular, where the faithful followers 
of the Lamb will meet around his throne. Oh ! 
1 do love thee, because thou lovest the dear 
Saviour." 

On the morning of the 11th, she broke forth, 
" Love to God, love to God, peace on earth, good 
will to men ; oh my mouth is full of praises, and 
should be all the day long." A friend saying to 
her, " Thou seem'st to dwell in love, making good 
the declaration, ' God is love, and they that dwell 
in Him, dwell in love :' " she replied, " Yes, oh 
yes : and what mercy that such a poor unworthy 
creature as I am, should feel as I now do ; fa- 
voured with such a hope, that there is a mansion 
prepared for me in the kingdom of heaven. I 
am happy now, while joy unspeakable and full of 
glory awaits me." Upon its being remarked 
that she appeared to suffer much, but that it 
was only the body ; she said, " Yes, only the poor 
body ; all is peace, sweet peace within." She 
continued to grow weaker throughout the whole 
course of the day, and the difficulty and pain of 
swallowing was so great, that she was unable to 
take anything but a little drink occasionally by 
the tea-spoon. On awakening from a short sleep, 
she called out, " Oh ! my Saviour, my Saviour !" 
and then said, she had had a little glimpse of the 



316 JOHX MOUHSKY. 

pearl gate and sweet spirits ready to convey her 
happy spirit home. Toward the middle of the 
night she sunk so low, that those who were watch- 
ing with her, thought she was about departing, 
and one remarking that she seemed not very far 
from the end of her journey, the heavenly Jerusa- 
lem, where the Lamb which is in the midst of the 
throne would feed her, and lead her unto living 
fountains of waters ; she opened her eyes, and 
with a sweet voice said, " Oh ! yes, and why don't 
you say, farewell." She again revived a little ; 
and in the morning observed, " I was a little 
disappointed last night, I thought I should have 
gone to my Saviour ; but the poor body was not 
quite ready. I desire to be patient, O God, to 
thy will." She continued growing weaker and 
weaker throughout the morning, but so long as 
her voice was audible, it was employed in praising 
her Maker ; and about three o'clock, her redeem- 
ed and purified spirit was released from its taber- 
nacle of clay ; to be joined, we doubt not, to that 
innumerable company, which, having come out of 
much tribulation, and washed their robes, and 
made them white in the blood of the Lamb, are 
before the throne of God, and serve him day 
and night in his temple. 



Johx Motjxsey was born at Penrith, in the 
year 1766 ; and was educated by his parents in 
the profession of the established church. At an 
early age his mind was made sensible of the con- 
victions of the Holy Spirit, and on leaving his 



JOHN MOUNSEY. 317 

native town at the time of his being introduced 
into business as an apprentice, he was earnestly 
desirous that he might be enabled to conduct him- 
self with increased religious watchfulness. Not 
long afterwards, on taking a morning walk, he 
incidentally became acquainted with an aged 
member of the Society of Friends, whose instruc- 
tive conversation and counsel at various times, 
tended much to promote that serious concern 
which had dawned upon his mind. He was mer- 
cifully preserved from many of the temptations 
and snares by which youth are peculiarly assailed ; 
and his conduct being marked by humility and 
circumspection, furnished a good example to 
those around him : he was also remarkable for his 
kindness to all, especially to the poor. 

About the year 1787, he settled at Sunderland, 
where he continued his attendance on the nation- 
al worship, frequenting occasionally the meetings 
of Friends, of the correctness of whose Christian 
views he was becoming increasingly convinced. 
It was not, however, without much mental con- 
flict, involving the sacrifice of many things, diffi- 
cult to nature to part with, that he was made 
willing to yield obedience to those convictions, 
which ultimately led him to believe it to be his 
religious duty to request admission into the Society, 
which he joined in the year 1790. He ever 
afterwards esteemed his connection with Friends 
as one of his greatest privileges, and he remained 
constantly and steadily attached to the princi- 
ples of Truth professed by them. He was for a 
long time an overseer in the meeting of Sunder- 
land, and in the year 1820 was appointed an 
27* 



318 JOHN MOUNSEY. 

elder, in both which stations, although naturally 
of a timid and retiring disposition, it was his hum- 
ble endeavour to act with faithfulness and upright- 
ness. He was a sincere and kind friend, his heart 
being susceptible of tender sympathy with the 
afflicted, and his conduct in all the varied relations 
of life, greatly endeared him to his friends. 

About the 66th year of his age he was visited 
with sickness ; and although the complaint did 
not at first assume a very serious form, yet it soon 
became evident that his strength, which had ra- 
ther declined for some years previously, was now 
rapidly sinking ; and from the commencement of 
his disorder, he was impressed with a belief that 
it would terminate in his dissolution. In the 
early part of his illness, he was concerned to re- 
view the whole of his past life ; this solemn self- 
examination was attended with a humbling sense 
of his having fallen far short of a sufficient devo- 
tedness to the cause of his blessed Redeemer. He 
deeply felt his own poverty and insufficiency ; 
and great were the conflicts of his spirit during 
this time of close searching of heart. Fervent 
were his petitions to the throne of grace, and in 
due season they were abundantly answered, to the 
unspeakable consolation of his diffident mind. 

His medical attendant, on being requested to 
give him nothing that might occasion delirium, 
because, as he said, it was his wish, u gently to 
slide from time to eternity, with his recollection 
clear" — remarked, that he dwelt too much on that 
view of the case ;— to which he replied, " Oh ! I 
know there is nothing else for me, and I am 
quite ready, and have no desire to live. If it 



JOHN MOUNSEY. 319 

were right for me to have a wish, I should say, 
' Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.' " To a rela- 
tion, who came to see him, he said, " I am very 
feeble, just waiting my appointed time. I do not 
know that it would be right to wish for the end ; 
and I desire patiently to wait, and quietly to hope, 
until my change come ; but if it might be so or- 
dered in righteousness, I should be glad to pass 
away into the arms of everlasting mercy." 

On the 8th of First month, 1833, he remarked 
to his dear wife, that she knew he had never been 
forward to speak on serious subjects, lest he 
should speak with unhallowed lips ; but he might 
often have said, that " goodness and mercy had 
followed him all the days of his life." 

On the 10th, he said to his sons, " I must now 
leave you. I believe this sickness is unto death : 
but I am quite reconciled to go ; and my prayer 
is, for an easy passage, when the right time 
comes." " Every day seems to bring me nearer 
to those celestial gates, which must soon separate 
us : this world, and all its pleasures and all its 
profits, are now as nothing to me ; I have done 
with them all." 

12th. In the evening, he. said, after a time of 
silence with his family, " I have been permitted, 
in a comfortable degree, to repose on Him who 
was my morning Light, and who, I venture to 
trust, will continue with me until my close, and 
become my evening Song ! and I pray, that if I 
should be permitted to spend a little more time 
with you, I may often retire unto Him." 

First-day evening, 13th, after sitting with 
his family in silence, he said, " How true it is, 



320 JOHN MOUNSEY. 

that times and seasons are not at our command ; 
I cannot report this, a day of much spiritual good ; 
I have laboured hard to come at it ; but have 
not been able ; but if it be so ordered, after the 
consolations of yesterday, that to-day, I must sub- 
mit to ( a reverse — no doubt it is right ; if it be 
true, that nothing that is impure or unholy can 
enter the kingdom, how is it possible that I, or 
any of us, can enter thereinto of ourselves ! I 
know myself to be a poor creature ; and have 
nothing to lean upon but Christ Jesus." 

15th. This morning, he remarked, that he had 
been greatly tossed ; and in the afternoon, on 
waking from sleep, he appeared very low, and 
said, " I have endeavoured in all ways that I 
could, and cannot come at any good. Oh, my 
poor soul ! Lord, have mercy on my never-dying 
soul ! Having said much more, expressive of 
the great conflict of his spirit, a pause ensued ; 
after which, he broke forth in thanksgiving, com- 
mencing with, " O Lord ! I thank Thee for thy 
many mercies, ancient and new ; I thank Thee, 
that Thou hast permitted me to live to attribute 
unto Thee, holiness, and light, and life !" That 
evening, he said, " I have waited on the Lord ; 
and I think possibly He has in some measure, 
inclined his ear unto me. I have remembered 
the language, ' In the world ye shall have tribu- 
lations, but be of good cheer, I have overcome 
the world,' and I have longed to follow on and 
wait unto the end." 

16th. This morning, he said, " I have remem- 
bered what our Lord said to Peter ; ' Lovest 
thou Me V and I trust, I can, in some measure, 



JOHN 3IOUN3EY. 321 

adopt his reply: 'Thou, Lord, knowest that I 
love Thee.' In looking at our Society, as I have 
often done, both now and formerly, I have thought 
much of our principles, and especially of that prin- 
ciple of light and grace, which, if we follow, will 
lead us into all Truth and to peace in the end. 
I have also thought much of our peculiar testi- 
monies ; and have felt sorrow to see some deviate 
from some of them. I am a poor creature, and 
have nothing to recommend me ; but all these 
testimonies cost me a price ; I bought them one 
by one ; and I now feel them to be precious. 
You may have observed in my passing along 
through life, that I have, as a Friend, been rather 
simple in my habits and manners, and have not 
thought it right to make chancres, nor to follow 
the fashions of the world," After saying much 
more, he added, " And now, my dear children, 
buy the Truth and sell it not." 

The same evening, he said, " I have been con- 
sidering my past life, and the sins of my youth ; 
and my iniquities have been brought to my re- 
membrance, and the language of my heart has 
been, ' Pardon my transgressions, and remember 
not my sins against me, for thy mercies' sake, Oh 
Lord !' I desire that every wrong thing may be 
brought to judgment and condemned ; and I have 
a little hope, that all my sins may go beforehand 
to judgment ; but oh ! the reduction that is ne- 
cessary in passing from death unto life — life 
everlasting. If there have been any high thought 
or imagination in me, let it be brought down, 
and laid in the dust, its proper place !" His 
views of himself were exceedingly humble ; and 



322 JOHN 3IOUXSEY. 

yet his hope appeared to be fixed, trusting in the 
Lord and in his mercy, of which he was often 
led sweetly to speak ; and although he sometimes 
appeared low, yet at other times his mouth was 
opened to declare of the mercy and goodness of 
the Almighty to him, every way, and all his life 
long. Thus he who had been very diffident in 
speaking of serious things, seemed to be set at 
liberty to give expression to the feelings of his 
heart. 

On a near relation expressing that it was an 
unspeakable comfort to see him as he was, and 
that she felt it a privilege to be with him, — he 
immediately rejoined — u To see the gracious deal- 
ings of the Lord with his fallen creature ! I hope 
I am reposing on Him, who alone can save ; — 
there seems to be but a span betwixt me and eter- 
nity." 

Adverting to the time when he joined our So- 
ciety, he said, " When I first came among Friends, 
my faith was, and is continued unto this day, and 
I die in that faith — that there is a spirit in man, 
and the Almighty inspires it ; that this it is which 
must lead and direct us. Many may think, that 
if they act and think as Friends, it will do ; but 
no! this will not do: they must come to this prin- 
ciple." 

In speaking of the blessings which surrounded 
him, he said : " For these, and all Thy blessings, 
I desire, O Lord ! to ascribe thanksgiving and 
glory to thy ever excellent Name !" 

But although his heart thus overflowed with 
gratitude, thanksgiving and praises, yet his ex- 
pressions frequently indicated great anxiety that 



JOHN MOUNSEY. 323 

the work of purification might be fully accom- 
plished, and he prayed that all might go before- 
hand to judgment, that, his sins being pardoned, 
nothing might appear against him. 

At another time, he said to some of his family, 
" I pray that the blessings of the upper and the 
nether springs may be with you, when I am gone. 
Keep steady — be faithful — and you will be bless- 
ed ; buy the Truth, and sell it not." 

18th. He said, he was waiting for his change, 
adding, " And now, I would exclaim, (if I might 
exclaim, as a servant — but oh ! that is far too 
high a name for me,) ' Now lettest Thou thy ser- 
vant depart in peace ; for mine eyes have seen 
thy Salvation, which Thou hast prepared before 
all people ; a Light to enlighten the Gentiles, and 
ultimately, for the glory of thy people Israel.' " 
The solemnity with which these words were ut- 
tered, could only be felt by those who heard 
them. 

During the same day, after the occurrence of 
a precious season of retirement, he sweetly gave 
expression to his feelings, saying, " I know there 
is no time to spare — not a moment to waste ; but 
if I labour ever so hard,- what can I, a poor 
creature, do towards helping forward the great 
work ? ' Without Me ye can do nothing.' I hope 
I am not deceiving myself; but I feel relieved 
from much anxiety about my poor soul. I thank 
my God for these precious opportunities ; I think 
I feel a little hope that my prayers have been 
heard, and that T may repose with confidence in 
the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ, my 
Lord." 



324 JOHN MOUNSEY. 

This day he was strengthened to impart coun- 
sel to some of his friends who called to see him. 
To one of them, after speaking in a solemn and 
affectionate manner, of the great change from time 
to a never-ending eternity, which awaits us all, he 
added, " I entreat thee, every day of thy life, to 
endeavour to make some progress in the great 
work ; if it be ever so small, be in earnest to make 
some advance ; and if thou be seriously inclined, 
encourage that feeling, thou wilt never regret it, 
and thou wilt know this work to go forward. We 
are poor creatures, and it is not of ourselves, but 
through grace and mercy, that we become what 
we ought to be. — Look unto Him, who said, 
4 Without me, ye can do nothing." 

20th. He observed to a near relation, " In my 
readings, my chief attention has been turned 
to the Scriptures. I again read the Old and New 
Testament through last year ; and many times 
read various parts of them, but I often feared I 
was little or no better for it ; still poor and barren ; 
they were often to me as a sealed book ; and they 
are a sealed book, until rightly opened by Him 
who alone can open ; but notv, my mind is much 
turned to many portions of them ; and O ! what 
an encouragement is this, to read the Scriptures. 
Thou seest me ; and it is marvellous to myself 
that my tongue is loosed and I have no want, but 
seem full. I merely mention this, that thou mayst 
encourage others to read the Scriptures." 

During this night, he said, that he felt a pre- 
cious covering over us; and then exclaimed: — 
" Bless the Lord ! O my soul ! and all that is 
within me, bless my God !" 



JOHN MOUNSEY. 325 

23rd. He expressed the difficulty he felt, from 
his great weakness, to keep his attention fixed, 
adding, "But I believe I may. accept the little 
openings, and bow my head in peace." In reply 
to an inquiry made, in consequence of his having 
expressed but little for some days, he said : " I 
have been much shut up with respect to things 
most excellent, though they have not been taken 
from me ; but I thought I was in the hands of the 
Lord, and He would order all things right." 
During the night he was engaged in supplication 
under a deep feeling of mental and bodily weak- 
ness ; yet in humble, unshaken faith in the mercy 
and goodness of the Almighty. 

24th. He prayed, with uplifted hands, that the 
Lord would be with him in the last trying mo- 
ment; and on another occasion, he was heard to 
utter in a low voice, " Merciful God ! suffer not 
any of us in our last moments, through the pains 
of death, to fall from Thee." 

A few days afterwards, he remarked, " This is 
a time of great watchfulness ; but my Lord has 
said unto me, c In my Father's house are many 
mansions, and a place is prepared for thee !' " He 
expressed but little after this, yet was preserved 
in much patience, quietly waiting his appointed 
time. 

On the 11th of Second month, 1833, his re- 
deemed spirit was released from the pains and 
sorrows of its afflicted tabernacle, and we reverent- 
ly trust, has entered the mansion prepared for it 
in the Heavenly Father's house. 



28 



326 ARTHUR GILKES. 

Arthur Gilkes was the son of Benjamin and 
Marian Gilkes, of Nailsworth, in the county of 
Gloucestershire, and was educated by his father, 
who kept a school at that place. Nothing re- 
markable occurred during the earlier part of his 
life ; and as he appeared to have a good constitu- 
tion, no apprehensions were entertained that his 
course in time would early terminate. He was 
deprived of the care and attentions of his affec- 
tionate mother when he was about thirteen years 
of age — a loss which he sensibly felt. When he 
had attained his eighteenth year, he was engaged 
as an assistant to his brother, in a school. 

It was during the time of his being thus em- 
ployed, that his mind was evidently brought under 
the influence of the Holy Spirit ; and he felt the 
necessity of that change of heart, that new birth, 
without which it is impossible to enter the king- 
dom of Heaven. He said very little on these im- 
portant subjects, except to his nearest relatives ; 
and the work that was then goin^ forward in his 
mind was not known to the superficial observer, 
but to those who were made acquainted with his 
feelings it was evidently a time in which he was 
concerned to enter into covenant with his God. 

Some weeks previous to the vacation, which 
took place in the Sixth month, 1833, his health 
became delicate, and he was affected with cough, 
but no immediate cause of alarm was apparent. 
In the following month he became worse, a medi- 
cal friend was consulted, and it was hoped that 
change of air by the sea-side might tend to restore 
him to health ; but this was not the case, and the 
symptoms of consumption were soon developed. 



ARTHUR GILKES. 327 

It was now evident, that the disease had, though 
in a great degree unsuspected, been for some time 
undermining his constitution. On his return to 
London, further medical advice was obtained, and 
lie was removed from thence to Nailsworth, in 
the hope that his native air might be beneficial ; 
but it was ordered otherwise, and it soon appeared 
right to apprise him of his real situation, which 
was done with all the tenderness that duty and 
affection could suggest. 

He received the information with calmness and 
submission, and it was manifest that although he 
felt the seriousness of his situation, and his own 
unworthiness, he could look with an humble hope 
to his Saviour and his God. 

Notwithstanding the anxious fears of his friends 
that the disease was rapidly hastening him to the 
grave, it pleased his Heavenly Father, to prove 
his faith and patience by an illness of nearly 
thirteen months. During this time of trial it was 
cause of great thankfulness to those around him, 
to see how his heart was influenced by the love 
of God — how it strengthened him in weakness, 
and enabled him to rejoice in the Lord, his Re- 
deemer, as he approached u the valley of the 
shadow of death." 

A few extracts from letters and from a brief 
journal which he regularly kept, will unfold, in 
an instructive manner, the state of his mind, and 
his religious experience. 

In a letter which he wrote soon after the disease 
had assumed alarming symptoms, he says, " I 
have much time to spend alone, and I assure 
thee, my dear uncle, that during these moments, 



328 ARTHUR GILKES. 

I do endeavour to offer up a silent prayer to the 
Almighty, that he may be pleased to direct my fee- 
ble steps aright, and lead me in that path wherein 
alone there is true peace and comfort." 

Not very long afterwards, he writes thus : " I 
can say that I have often felt thankful for the 
lenient afflictions which I have to bear, for they 
have been the cause by which I have been brought 
to a fuller sense of my own unworthiness, and 
have made me humbly endeavour to offer up peti- 
tions for help to Him from whom true help can 
alone be procured." In another part of the same 
letter, he says, " I am quite aware that in such 
cases as mine, there is very little hope of recovery. 
This knowledge makes me endeavour more and 
more to attain to that state in which I may in 
confidence say, c Yea, though I walk through the 
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, 
for Thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they 
comfort me.' " 

In another letter he remarks : " It is w T ith plea- 
sure that I am able to inform thee, that the Al- 
mighty, in his mercy, has permitted me to enjoy 
a peaceful and comfortable state of mind, though 
I have at times been brought very low, and have 
been led to consider my own utter unworthiness." 
Although he was aware of the gradual, but cer- 
tain approach of death, yet so gentle were the 
dealings of the Lord with him, that he had hither- 
to been spared much acute suffering, and was 
still capable of social enjoyment, and able to rise 
early in the day. His mind seemed to be awaken- 
ed to a lively sense of the continued mercies of 
his Heavenly Father, and to a grateful acknow- 



ARTHUR GILKES. 329 

ledgment that all, even his domestic comforts, were 
to be attributed to His loving-kindness. 

To many of his later memoranda he appended 
passages of Scripture which had impressed his 
mind, and which in some cases were strikingly 
appropriate to his situation. After having passed 
a comfortable night, he remarks, " I saw clearly 
that it is the duty of every Christian, to return 
thanks for the mercies of the night, and humbly 
to seek for protection and guidance of the Al- 
mighty throughout the day, and for an increase of 
faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour ;" which is fol- 
lowed by this quotation : u The righteous shall be 
glad in the Lord, and shall trust in Him, and all 
the upright in heart shall glory." On one occa- 
sion, alluding to the state of his mind in the morn- 
ing, he observes, " The remainder of the day I 
was permitted to feel a more patient resignation 
to the Divine will ;" and in the record of the same 
day there occurs this extract : " Lord, make me 
to know mine end, and the measure of my days, 
what it is ; that I may know how frail I am." 
He was enabled with cheerfulness to endure his 
trials, and through all to acknowledge the good- 
ness of the Lord. On one occasion he remarks, 
" Though in much pain, I was permitted to feel 
content, and to look upon my afflictions as blessings 
from the Almighty, who orders all things aright:" 
and immediately subjoins, " Blessed is every one 
that feareth the Lord, that walketh in his ways ;" 
and he further adds, " I will sing unto the Lord, 
because he hath dealt bountifully with me." 

And now having so richly experienced the 
loving-kindness of the Lord, his faith was strength- 
28* 



330 ARTHUR GILKES. 

ened, and to use his own terms, he was permitted 
to feel an entire resignation to the Divine will, 
and a willingness to put himself into the hands of 
the Almighty ; and on reviewing his past life, an 
" humble desire was raised" in his heart, u that 
the remainder of it might be spent in the praise 
and service of the Almighty." 

In reference to a disappointment he had met 
with, he says, " But I hope I was preserved in a 
Christian spirit, and was better able to command 
my temper, for which I felt thankful:" and then 
adds, " Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for He is 
good ; for His mercy endureth forever." Again, 
he says, " I endeavoured humbly to return thanks 
for the many mercies of the past week, and to 
ask for a continuance of them. Though unable 
to attend meeting, I was permitted to spend the 
time in a peaceful and resigned state of mind, and 
to have comfort in feeling that, though alone, yet 
God was with me." He then adds, " I will praise 
thee, O Lord, my God, with all my heart, and I 
will glorify thy name for evermore." On another 
occasion he says, " Not quite so well to-day, but 
patient and resigned to the Divine will, feeling 
confident that the Almighty will watch over and 
assist those who humbly endeavour to draw near 
to Him, through faith in Jesus Christ." 

The following remark, in his journal, evinces 
his endeavours to seek the Lord : " Some of the 
family attended meeting, whilst I was permitted 
to spend most of an hour (I think I may say) in 
communion with my Maker. — Enjoyed peace of 
mind during the remainder of the day." At this 
time he seems to have kept closely on the watch, 



ARTHUR GILKES. 331 

and was often in the practice of reviewing his 
conduct. He says, " I looked back upon the ac- 
tions of the past days, and endeavoured humbly 
to seek forgiveness for all that I have omitted to 
do, and for what I have done amiss, and also for 
assistance to conduct myself in a manner which 
shall be pleasing in the Divine sight." As the 
strength of the dear invalid decreased, he was 
particularly fearful of giving way to feelings of 
impatience, and was much concerned to attain a 
state of true resignation to the Divine will. 

In a letter to his uncle, he remarks : " I am 
able to say that I do feel that Jesus Christ did 
indeed die for me; that He is my Saviour, and 
that by and through Him, I can alone hope for 
salvation." His strength continued to decline, 
and in his journal is the following record : " I 
found myself very weak, but felt able and willing 
to trust in the mercy and goodness of the Al- 
mighty." And again, u My bodily weakness in- 
creases, but I hope that my mind is strengthened 
by faith and trust in the Almighty, through Jesus 
Christ, my Saviour and Redeemer." 

On the evening of the 26th of Seventh month, 
1834, after sitting up and conversing cheerfully 
for some time, he retired to rest without any ap- 
parent symptoms of dissolution ; but about mid- 
night he appeared to be sinking, and the family 
were summoned to his bedside ; his breathing be- 
came very difficult, and the power of utterance 
nearly failed ; but on being inquired of as to the 
clearness of his prospect, he intimated in reply 
that he was quite happy ; and shortly after pass- 
ed quietly away, in the 21st year of his age. 



332 RICHARD STAXSFIELD. 



Richard Staxsfield, late of Lothersdale, in 
Yorkshire, was the youngest son of John Stans- 
field, one of the seven Friends, who, in the years 
1795 and 1796, suffered much loss of property, 
and a tedious imprisonment in York Castle, in 
consequence of refusing, for conscience sake, to 
pay tithes. The gracious regard of that blessed 
Redeemer, for whose sake the father was made 
willing to endure persecution, was very early ex- 
tended to his child, who was, in his tender years, 
favoured with serious impressions. His dispo- 
sition was meek and amiable, and he appears to 
have been, through Divine grace, much preserved 
in the fear of God ; and to some of the exer- 
cises of his mind in his youthful days, he referred, 
at a later period of his life, in an instructive man- 
ner. 

After leaving Ack worth School, he was intro- 
duced by his brothers into the wool trade ; but on 
the expiration of his apprenticeship, his inclina- 
tion not leading him to mercantile pursuits, he 
entered on a farm which his father had previous- 
ly occupied. His capital was very limited, and it 
was only through great industry and care that he 
was able, with credit and respectability, to main- 
tain his family. After being a house-keeper 
about two years, he was united in marriage to 
Elizabeth Dixon, who resided near Settle ; to her 
he was a most affectionate husband, and to his 
children a tender and judicious father. He pos- 
sessed a very diffident mind, and his demeanour 
was remarkably mild and unassuming. The cir- 
cle in which he moved was not an extended one, 



RICHARD STANSFIELD. 333 

and he was not generally known to the members 
of our religious Society ; but by his neighbours, 
and such friends as had the opportunity of being 
acquainted with him, he was highly esteemed. 
He lived much secluded from the world, but there 
is good ground to believe that it was his primary 
concern to seek communion with his Maker. 

In the course of a lino-erins; illness, which com- 
menced with inflammation of the lungs in Sixth 
month, 1835, he manifested a remarkable degree of 
patience and resignation to the Divine will ; and 
often expressed his thankfulness even for his 
sufferings, believing they were intended for his 
further purification — and his confidence that the 
Lord would not lay upon him more than He 
would enable him to bear. 

During the First month, 1836, the inflammatory 
symptoms had much abated, yet the physician 
gave no hope of his ultimate restoration to health : 
he appeared to be fully aware of his critical situa- 
tion, and to be often engaged in mental supplica- 
tion. He remarked to his wife, in speaking of 
his dear children, that it was his earnest prayer 
that they might choose the Lord for their portion, 
and he believed they w r ould be provided for ; 
" Yes," he said, " the Lord will provide." His 
cough becoming relieved, he said, " How thankful 
I feel, that my cough is better ,* it allows me more 
time for reflection." Appearing on one occasion 
much tried, his wife inquired the cause ; to which 
he replied, " I have cause to mourn my many 
backslidi ngs ;" but in a short time he spoke of 
the Lord's mercy, saying, " He is very gracious 
to poor unworthy sinners. « Though your sins 



334 RICHARD STAXSFIELD . 

be as scarlet, I will make them white as snow.' " 
On the 29th of the same month, he expressed 
his assurance that he should be enabled to bear 
his pain, saying that the Lord laid nothing on 
his children but what he would strengthen them 
to bear, and added, u It is very little that we 
have to suffer in comparison with what our Savi- 
our suffered. Oh, what adorable love, that God 
sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever be- 
lieveth on Him should not perish, but have ever- 
lasting life." On the 30th, he enjoyed much of 
the presence of his Saviour, and remarked, " My 
heart overflows with love." 

On another occasion his heart being filled with 
Divine love, he said, " Oh ! how good the Lord is ! 
I have had dark seasons ; but He is very near, — He 
is waiting to be gracious. — What a favour it is to 
be afflicted ! it allows us time to prepare ; whilst 
some are taken very suddenly : — we ought to 
rejoice instead of complaining." At another 
time, when his wife was sitting by him, he said, 
" Jesus is all I have to look to. — 1 have no right- 
eousness of my own to boast of; — but He is very 
merciful to poor unworthy sinners ; — I feel Him 
very near. — Yes, He is waiting to be gracious to 
us and our dear offspring." Then, addressing 
his wife, he said, " My darling ! let the Lord be 
thy chief delight ; then He will be very near to 
thee : His protecting arm will be underneath 
thee ; and He will support and guide thee. And 
if we are parted here, we shall meet again in 
heaven, where parting will be no more. He 
will withhold no good thing from thee if thou 
only put thy trust in Him." 



RICHARD STANSFIELD. 335 

A while after he said, " My dear, I have en- 
joyed much peace to-night ; I feel quite refresh- 
ed ; these are precious seasons." 

31st. Two friends calling to see him, after a 
short time of silence, he said, " ' Draw nigh unto 
the Lord, and He will draw nigh unto you.' He 
never did cast off any who came to Him in truth 
and uprightness. Seek the Lord while He may 
be found. I have found Him a present help in 
this time of need, forever blessed and praised be 
His Name, for He alone is worthy, both now and 
forever." 

4th of Second mo. After a time of silence with 
two dear friends who visited him, he expressed 
much of the goodness of the Lord to his soul, and of 
the mercy of God in sending his Son Jesus Christ 
to die for sinful man. He petitioned for prepa- 
ration for everlasting rest, arid added, " ' In my 
Father's house are many mansions ;' our dear 
Saviour told his followers so for their encourage- 
ment ; and if I am but permitted to enter the 
lowest room, where the unwearied enemy can no 
more disturb, it will be enough." He often said 
he felt much peace of mind, not such as the 
world giveth, nor blessed be the Lord's holy 
name, can take away." 

5th of Second mo. Speaking of the love of God, 
he said, "We are without excuse, seeing He would 
draw us with the cords of His love, if we did not 
turn our backs on Him. How inviting are His 
promises, c Come unto me, and be ye saved, all 
ye ends of the earth.' He willeth not the death 
of any, but rather that all should return." 

7th. He remarked that his heart was made to 



338 RICHARD STANSFIELD. 

rejoice in his affliction, and to ascribe all praise 
and glory to God. 

8th. He supplicated fervently, first on his 
own account, then for his dear children, and also 
for his wife, saying, " O Lord ! I beseech thee,- 
gather them under the shadow of thy wing, lead 
them gently, Oh Lord, in the way thou wouldst 
have them to go ; — unto thy care I must leave 
them, for I have no other that I can trust : Thou 
alone canst guide them aright." 

At another time, after having passed a restless 
night, he said, " How thankful I ought to be for 
all the benefits I enjoy ; and I do feel thankful 
in my heart to my God for all his mercies to me. 
Sweet Jesus ! I will look to thee as long as 1 
live ; for thou art my only hope. Continue 
with me to the end, if it be consistent with thy 
most holy will. Purge me, and cleanse me, and 
make me fit for thy blessed kingdom. Take 
away everything which is not consistent with thy 
holy will ; for thou art my Shepherd, my Friend, 
and my Keeper !" He often spoke of the love 
and mercy of God in sending his dear Son to die 
for our sins. 

At one time he said, " I am very weak ; but 
the Lord in his tender mercy, is inclined still to 
look down with an eye of pity. He still hath 
regard for my poor soul that it may not be wholly 
lost. Oh ! how good He is to a poor unworthy 
creature ; His mercy is indeed very great : — Ah! 
what should I do without Him ? All would be 
lost ! — But He condescends in His love and ador- 
able wisdom, to have regard to a poor unworthy 
creature. He has in a wonderful manner pre- 






RICHARD STAN3FIELD. 337 

served me on every side. — Oh ! it seems as if the 
enemy was not permitted to discourage me from 
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of my 
faith." 

On another occasion, being asked how he was, 
he said, " I am very weak ; but Christ is strong, 
and He is very willing to lend me His aid." A 
few friends being in his chamber, after a time of 
silence he remarked, " There is a passage of 
Scripture where our Saviour says, ' Peace I leave 
with you ; my peace I give unto you, not as the 
world giveth :' oh no, it is quite of another nature ; 
the peace of the world bringeth sorrow, but His 
peace yieldeth the fruit of righteousness." 

On the evening preceding his decease, he was 
engaged in prayer to the following effect : " O, 
sweet Jesus ! condescend in thy loving-kindness 
to look down upon a poor afflicted worm. I can 
do nothing of myself; therefore I have delivered 
all into thy care; — and Thou art very good ! 
Continue Thy loving-kindness unto the end, I 
beseech thee ; and land me safe on that shore 
where I shall have done with this world of trou- 
ble. I do not doubt that thou wilt be with me 
to the end, O my God ! and it will be a great 
rejoicing to me : — then I shall be safe ; the un- 
wearied enemy will no more disturb me. I shall 
have nothing to do but to praise thee ! Then I 
can sing praises to thy adorable name forever ! 
— but I must not crave it too much. Do with 
me, O my God ! as seemeth best in thy most holy 
sight." 

Early the next morning, being in great suffer- 
ing, his sister asked what could be done for him ; 
29 



338 WILLIAM HARGRAVE. 

he replied, "Let us compose ourselves in the 
Lord : that is best for us." On one present 
remarking he was very ill, he said, " I would not 
change for the whole world." A short time be- 
fore his spirit took its flight, he exclaimed with 
great distinctness, though his breathing was very 
difficult, " Great and marvellous are thy works, 
Lord God Almighty ! Just and true are all thy 
ways, thou King of Saints !" 

He departed this life on the 29th of Second mo. 
1836, aged 32 years. 

Meditating on his peaceful transit from time 
to eternity, how forcibly does the triumphant 
exclamation of the apostle suggest itself to the 
mind ! " O death, where is thy sting ? O grave 

where is thy victory ? Thanks be to God, 

which giveth us the victory, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ." 



William Hargrave of London was a respect- 
ble member of our Society. He had been remark- 
able from early life for steadiness of conduct. He 
possessed a good understanding with sound judg- 
ment, and being of a benevolent disposition, he was 
a useful member of the meeting to which he belong- 
ed, and was much esteemed by his friends. He was 
engaged in an extensive line of business, which 
he conducted with great respectability and suc- 
cess ; and was actively engaged during the latter 
years of his life, in promoting the interests of 
the " Friends' Provident Institution." His time 



WILLIAM HARGRAVE. 339 

and attention were also much devoted to the 
formation of a similar establishment yet more 
extensively important ; the " National Provident 
Institution." These concerns occasioned him 
much anxious solicitude, involving him, as they 
did, in many important responsibilities. There 
is reason to apprehend that, amid these occupa- 
tions of a temporal nature, so engrossing and 
weighty, the precious talent of Divine grace, 
with which there is good ground to believe he 
was in early life graciously entrusted, was in great 
measure hidden in the earth : and although to 
those around him, the path which he trod might 
appear to be the straight and narrow one, yet when 
the awful period of its termination was viewed 
as near at hand, he was brought in deep humilia- 
tion to see that it was not that which leads to 
life. The disease which at the age of 46 ter- 
minated his active course, was lingering; and 
attended with great suffering. In the early 
stages of it he anticipated a speedy recovery, 
but a result far different was appointed by Him 
whose " ways are not as our ways," and who, in 
unutterable mercy, through t-he refining process 
of affliction, gradually prepared him to come, as 
an humble penitent, to the footstool of a crucified 
Saviour. 

In the Third mo. 1837, he was attacked with 
influenza, from the effects of which he never 
entirely recovered. During the following sum- 
mer he was mostly very unwell, and as the autumn 
approached, his strength sunk rapidly, and it be- 
came apparent that his mind was strongly awak- 
ened to a sense of his spiritual state ; and he 



340 WILLIAM HARGRAVE. 

remarked to an intimate friend who visited him, 
" I have been thinking, and thou maysl think so 
too, that if I am permitted to feel forgiveness for 
my sins, that I shall be a monument of mercy. 
But oh, [ am the most unworthy of un worthies ; 
I am not fit to speak of these things : but if an 
entrance be granted me within the pearl gates, 
none need despair. And should I, in mercy, be 
raised up again, my path should be a much straiter 
one — ah, I would be more dedicated than I have 
hitherto been." 

On being asked whether he felt his mind sup- 
ported under his sufferings, he replied, " At times 
I do, and the promises of Scripture come with 
sweetness to my mind." A friend observed that 
it was " a favour to have time granted us to make 
preparation for the awful change :" he replied 
with tears, u Yes, I feel it so ; my sufferings are 
nothing compared with this mercy." 

Another friend coming in the same evening, 
he remarked among other things, " The doctor 
has proposed my wintering in the West Indies ; 
it may be that I shall never be able to remove 
from here : I do not say this unconcernedly, for 
I feel that my life is very uncertain. Ah, at such 
a time as this, what will a high profession of 
religion avail us." 

About two weeks afterwards, on being settled 
in bed, he looked at those around him in a most 
impressive manner, and with uplifted hands ex- 
claimed, " And I saw a great multitude, whom 
no man could number, stand before the throne. 
These are they who have come out of great trib- 
ulation, and have washed their robes, and make 



WILLIAM HAKGRAVE. 341 

them white in the blood of the Lamb.' Oh, how 
great has been the mercy of God to me! how 
unbounded is the mercy of God ! he so loved the 
world, that he gave his only begotten Son to die for 
us. My sins have been many, very many. — 
yet is there more joy in heaven over one sinner 
that repenteth, than over ninety and nine that 
went not astray." 

Soon after he added, " I have pursued the 
world with avidity, and what doth it now profit 
me ! — my bark has sailed on the sea of life with 
scarcely a breeze to ruffle its surface ; but sud- 
denly it is cast on a lea shore and stranded, and 
this is the wreck. The enemy in my great weak- 
ness has been suffered to buffet me — but glory, 
glory, glory to His name ! the Lamb and his 
followers shall have the victory. How sweet will 
it be to lie down beside the still waters — to be 
carried gently along : — ah, His sheep hear his 
voice, and they follow Him, but the voice of a 
stranger will they not follow. I cannot now won- 
der," he added, " that the Apostle in heavenly 
vision saw things that he might not utter, for how 
wonderful, how marvellous, is the salvation of 
sinners ! I have been a most unworthy creature, 
and can say with David, ' Before I was afflicted, I 
went astray, but now have I kept thy word.' " 
Then turning to his wife he said, " Mayst thou, 
my beloved wife, be supported under all thy trials, 
and look upward unto Him who careth for thee : 
put thy confidence in Him, and He will never 
forsake thee," with much more to the same effect- 
Then turning to a friend, he said, " And mayst 
thou, mv dear friend, be enabled lay aside every 
29* 



342 WILLIAM IIARGttAVE. 

weight, and run with patience the race that is set 
before thee, looking unto Jesus, the Author and 
Finisher of thy faith, ' who, for the joy that was 
set before Him, endured the cross, despising the 
shame,' and is now set down at the right hand 
of the majesty on high, and ever liveth to make 
intercession for us." 

This with much more to each he expressed in a 
solemn and impressive manner, not seeming to 
regard his extreme weakness, for his whole soul 
seemed poured forth in love, prayer, and praise. 
Many times he exclaimed, u Praises, everlasting 
praises to the Lord God and the Lamb." 

On the arrival of a dear relation from a distance 
the dear invalid was much affected, and broke 
forth in an address to him, touching]}* descriptive 
of the altered circumstances under which they 
now met : comparing himself to a gallant bark, 
well equipped and freighted, and sailing exultingly 
on her course ; but suddenly foundering when she 
least apprehended danger. 

Shortly before this period he had passed through 
some very trying and awful seasons. The peace 
which he was graciously permitted to experience, 
in so remarkable a degree in his latter hours, was 
arrived at through a gradual process, and was no 
sudden attainment. 

On two friends coming to see him after the 
morning meeting on First-day, the 22nd of Tenth 
month, he remarked^ that his mind had been turn- 
ed towards his friends in their assembly that morn- 
ing, and it was consoling to him that although un- 
able outwardly to join with them, he felt united in 
spirit, and added, " Oh ! what a favour that there 



WILLIAM IIARGRAVE. 343 

is a fountain set open for sin and for uncleanness ;" 
and in alluding to some of the circumstances of 
his past life, he observed, that whilst passing down 
the stream of time as with a prosperous gale, he 
had not been sufficiently watchful and devoted 
to the service of his Lord ; but if he should be 
raised up again, he believed a very different path 
would be chalked out for him, and that he would 
have more conspicuously to show on whose side 
he was. 

On speaking of his bodily weakness, and the 
uncertainty of the issue of his illness, he evinced 
much tenderness of spirit; and whilst his heart 
overflowed with gratitude, under a humiliating 
sense of the continued love of God in Christ Jesus, 
he with a feble, but melodious voice, expressed 
his desire that he might be able to say, " Not my 
will, but Thine be done." 

In the evening he expressed a wish that the 
family, especially including the dear children, 
should come into the room and sit with him. 

After a short pause he addressed each of the 
company, beginning with his children, to whose 
understanding he endeavoured to unfold the his- 
tory and consequences of the transgression of our 
first parents, and the Divine plan of restoration. 
To his dear wife, he spoke in a strain of peculiar 
tenderness and pathos ; referring most affection- 
ately and touchingly to the happiness he had en- 
joyed in their union. 

Although in a state of much weakness, and 
obliged from swellings on the throat, the pressure 
of which impeded his articulation to use consider- 
able exertion to make himself intelligible, he 



344 WILLIAM IIARGRAVE. 

continued to speak for nearly an hour, with singu- 
lar impressiveness and solemnity ; dilating upon 
the momentous concerns of eternity, both in rela- 
tion to the welfare of those who seemed likely to 
survive him, and to his own more immediate pros- 
pects. Subsequently he supplicated with much 
fervour. From the length of his communication, 
it was impossible to recal it wholly; — some inter- 
esting fragments were however collected. 

Addressing his children, he said, " Could I lay 
my hand upon my heart, and say that I had been 
as anxious to serve my God in all things, as I 
have been to promote your happiness, although 
not always in the truest manner, it would now be 
easier work with me than it is." 

Speaking of the Saviour he said, " He, the Lord 
of life and of death ; He, who possesses the power 
to save your poor father from everlasting destruc- 
tion, condescended to become an infant, and to be 
cradled in a manger." 

Addressing his brother-in-law, he said, " If I 
die, thou wilt bear record that I die a witness to 
the vital principle of Christianity ; the love, the 
stupendous love of God in Christ Jesus, which is 
the only thing that can impress the hard heart of 
man. 

I have nothing to depend upon but the tender 
love of God in Christ Jesus ; all self-righteousness 
is indeed as filthy rags ; — I cannot rest upon any 
thing, not a shred or a morsel of it will hold. I 
will not enter now upon theological questions, it is 
sufficient for me to know that my Saviour lives, 
and oh ! that I may be enabled to say before I 
depart, < because he lives, I shall live also !' " 



WILLIAM HARGRAVE. 345 

" I am not without hope, yet I could wish, after 
my deep immersions in Jordan, to be able to bring 
up a stone from its bed, and to say, ' See how the 
Lord hath helped me.' " 

He repeatedly broke forth in admiration of the 
love and mercy of God in redemption : and his 
mind seemed at times almost overwhelmed and 
lost in the conception and sense which he appeared 
to have of it. " Vile man !" he once said, address- 
ing himself, " and is this inestimable treasure 
purchased for thee? and couldst thou so long re- 
main in inglorious forcretfulness of its existence? 
O, how can I describe this stupendous love, or 
comprehend its breadth, its depth, its height ! O ! 
the magnitude of the idea ! the wondrous nature 
of the plan. And then to survey it unveiled ! 
what wondering amazement must the soul expe- 
rience, to contemplate in heaven the stupendous 
magnificence of the love of God, to poor, sinful, 
fallen man ! of which, if I am permitted to make 
it mine, what a monument shall T be, thus at the 
eleventh hour ! Let me magnify this astounding 
mercy to one so unutterably unworthy whilst I 
can speak, for soon I may be unable to do so. O ! 
that it may be my employment to celebrate it 
throughout eternity !" Afterwards, on being told 
it was hoped his other relations from Birmingham 
would yet see him, he said touchingly, " I am quite 
unworthy they should come to me, tell them thev 
will see a worm and no man." Subsequently he 
added, " Although I dare not say I have the full 
blessed assurance of my interest in His mercv, yet 
] am not without some feelings of mv Saviour's love 
towards me ; many texts of Scripture have been 



346 WILLIAM HARGRAVE. 

sweetly brought to my mind, which have given me 
some hope. It was a great comfort to me this 
afternoon to think of the Pharisee and the Publi- 
can, and to remember that it was the latter who 
went down justified rather than the former." 

In reply to an inquiry the following morning 
he sweetly said, " I have been making progress, 
the Master has not forgotten me. I have felt his 
love very sweetly towards me in the night." 

" O !" he said, " that I could find utterance for 
the earnestness of my soul on this wondrous and 
delightful theme ; but how can I, a finite man, 
and with faculties still more circumscribed by dis- 
ease. How sweetly does the calming, heavenly 
love of the Redeemer, distil upon the heart and 
melt away its hardness. O ! if through the influ- 
ence of the love which seems to flow towards me, 
I should be permitted to enter the Pearl gates, let 
my soul confess from its inmost recesses, that it 
will be as a brand plucked from the burning. 
What a monument shall I be of this incredible 
love ! If it should be the will of my God that the 
thread of my life should be spun out a little longer, 
how shall I feel constrained to devote it to his ser- 
vice — to tell of his wonderful love, and to turn 
sinners unto Christ." 

In the evening he supplicated very sweetly for 
the Divine blessing upon his dear wife and chil- 
dren, and relations. He afterwards repeated the 
parting address of the Saviour to his disciples, 
" In my Father's house are many mansions," &c. 
remarking upon its delightful import to the be- 
liever. Subsequently he requested that the 
Scriptures might be read to him, and selected 



WILLIAM HARGRAVE. 347 

the Epistle of John, saying it was so delightful to 
hear about love. 

He referred more than once to the blessedness 
of peacemakers ; an office, it may be remarked, 
in which he had been often and successfully en- 
gaged. On Third-day morning he said, " I feel 
it a very awful engagement, so frequently to take 
into my mouth, the name of my Great Creator, 
and of his Son Jesus, my adorable Redeemer. 
But He who knows the earnest desire and intent 
of my heart, knows my wish is not to abridge his 
kingdom, but to extend it, or rather to permit it 
to extend itself; and he graciously condescends 
to accept his most pleasing incense from the lips 
of the penitent sinner." 

As his dress was being arranged for the night, 
he broke forth sweetly in thanksgiving : " Oh ! 
that it would please the Lord to say it is enough : — 
nevertheless, not my will, Lord, but thine be done ! 
for I am indeed in the hands of a tender and mer- 
ciful God. And if it be his holy pleasure to em- 
ploy so very poor an instrument, I will praise his 
name whilst I have breath. What indeed are my 
little sufferings compared with the sufferings of 
my adorable Redeemer ! and most astonishing of 
all, that they should have been endured for me /" 

On Fourth day morning, on the arrival of other 
relatives, he addressed them at considerable length 
and with great power, but his expressions could 
be but partially recollected. In the course of it 
he exclaimed, " Oh, this self-righteousness ; it 
will not do at all, it is all as filthy rags ; there 
is no part of it will stand. You must come to 
the Saviour, to the blood of the cross, to the 



348 WILLIAM HARGRAVE. 

fountain that is set open in Judah and in Jerusa- 
lem for sin and for uncleanness. But you must 
surrender yourselves entirely to his guidance, 
and then the victory is sure. He can fight with 
few as well as with many. You will remember 
how it fared with the Israelites in their warfare : 
whenever they went out by their own counsel and 
in their own strength, they were foiled by the 
enemy ; but when it was at the command and in 
the strength of their God, their triumph was cer- 
tain. Satan, your subtle adversary, will be ever 
on the watch : if one temptation does not succeed, 
he will present another. He will find out your 
weak points, he has mine, and succeeded but too 
well with me. Yes, if his commoner baits are 
unavailing, he will try to bribe your nobler feel- 
ings. Let me warn you that even your affection 
for your dear innocent children, may become a 
net wherein to entangle your feet. He is a liar, 
and was so from the beginning, and thanks to the 
mercy of our God, there is a power to which his 
is subject, and which can give us the victory over 
all his subtleties." Before they quitted the room 
he added, " You see a poor, helpless creature, 
but if our bed be made by the great Master it is 
easy indeed, and it matters but little when we are 
laid upon it, at seven, or at seventy ; but is it not 
extraordinary that he should condescend to notice 
so poor a creature as I am ! I have feared whe- 
ther there is not much talk of the love of a Saviour 
where it is but little experienced, but when this 
is truly the case, how sweet it is! I am per- 
suaded our present capacity is altogether too 
limited and finite, to admit other than a small 



VlLLIAM HARGRAVE. 349 

perception of its unspeakably delightful nature, 
and of its blessed consequences to us hereafter ; 
but we are permitted to catch a glimpse of the 
Master as he passes by, and how precious are 
these little foretastes of the joys of his kingdom ! 
But we must not forget to whom these are pro- 
mised. The sweet Psalmist who says, with so 
awful a sense of the greatness of the Lord, " What 
is man that thou art mindful of him ?" says also, 
" The Lord is nigh unto them that be of a broken 
heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." 

On Seventh-day morning he said, u I have 
been a little low this morning, in thinking of the 
burden of gratitude under which I am laid to my 
adorable Redeemer for all his love : and I have 
desponding] y asked myself, c What return can so 
poor a creature make to the great Master, for such 
marvellous goodness V but it has been graciously 
replied to me, ' The dedication of thy heart ;' for 
he is pleased to regard the quality, rather than 
the quantity of the service. He is indeed a gen- 
erous Master : I have been near enough to his 
throne to know that with Him is fulness of joy, 
and at His right hand pleasures for evermore. 
But I must be always on the watch, and keep 
close to his side." 

On Seventh-day evening, his relatives from 
Birmingham being about to return, he again spoke 
to them fo* a considerable time. Before they 
took their leave of him he said, " I have had 
fears lest you may have thought my tongue too 
ready and officious with its offering of praise to 
the great Master, but I can truly say it has at 
times seemed to me as if the very stones would 
30 



350 WILLIAM IIARGRAVE. 

cry out, had I refused my service in admiration 
of the astounding sacrifice which was offered up 
outside the gates of Jerusalem." 

On the day previous to his decease, those 
around him did not suppose that his end was so 
near ; yet there seemed in his mind an inward 
consciousness that his warfare was nearly accom- 
plished. His countenance this day bespoke per- 
fect serenity and lamb-like meekness, and hea- 
venly smiles indicated that all within was peace. 
On his wife arranging his pillow, he looked at 
her with great sweetness and said, " Ah, my 
dear, I shall soon only have one pillow." 

During the greater part of the afternoon he 
rambled a good deal, yet there were lucid inter- 
vals, in one of which he said to a friend, " Thou 
didst not expect to see me again, didst thou V 3 
On her replying that she had hoped to do so, 
he said, " But I feel that I cannot continue much 
longer, yet the prospect of death does not dismay 
me, for the everlasting arms will be underneath 
for my support." He then turned on the bed, 
and with a sweet smile said to the same friend, 
u Thou looks discouraged, don't be discouraged, 
* press forward toward the mark for the prize of 
the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.' How- 
ever many thy trials, if thou cleave close to Him, 
He will never leave thee nor forsake thee. And 
he that believeth on Him, ' Out of him shall flow 
rivers of living water.' The words of David have 
been brought to my remembrance, ' I have been 
young and now am old, yet have I not seen the 
righteous forsaken, or his seed begging bread.' 
How wonderfully was the widow's oil multiplied, 



GEORGE WITHY. 351 

vessel after vessel was filled, until there was not 
another. It has been impressed on my mind 
what the mother of Jesus said at the marriage 
feast : ' What he saith unto you, that do,' — 
and the water was made beautiful wine." 

In the evening his children went into the 
room to take leave of him for the night, when he 
appeared conscious that it was for the last time, 
as his countenance for a few moments indicated 
mental suffering; yet in a little while this sub- 
sided, and he addressed first his wife, and then 
each of his children in a most tenderly affecting 
manner. And when the power of articulation 
failed, he kissed his hand, intimating to his dear 
attendants that he wished them to take a final and 
affectionate leave of him. 

Nearly the last words he was heard to utter 
were, " Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! forever and 
ever!" and at a quarter before five o'clock, the 
10th of Eleventh month, 1837, his purified spirit 
took its flight to join that countless multitude, who 
forever celebrate the praises of redeeming love, 
" Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb 
that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and 
wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, 
and blessing." 



Our beloved and honoured friend George 
Withy was born in Bristol, the 7th of Seventh 
month, 1763, of parents not of our religious So- 
ciety. When about eleven years of age, he was 
taken from school, and worked at his father's 



352 GEORGE WITHY. 

business. It appears that he was at this time ex- 
posed to the corrupting influence of evil company, 
which weakened the religious impressions with 
which his mind was visited, at this early period of 
his life; and he entered deeply into many of the 
vanities and vices of youth. In reference to this 
period of his life, he writes, " I often felt the secret 
convictions of something within, that I was con- 
vinced, would, if fully obeyed, have led me into 
the paths of virtue, yet I did violence thereto, and 
often eluded the gentle intimations of God's Holy 
Spirit, thus striving with me." About the same 
time he also remarks, " I found that I had a cor- 
rupt heart from which no good fruit could be pro- 
duced, and that I never could be brought to the 
enjoyment of the peace of God's children, but as 
my evil heart became renewed by the operation of 
the one saving baptism, of which John's was a 
figure, even the baptism of Him, whose fan is in his 
hand, and who alone can thoroughly purge the 
floor of the sinner's heart, and purify it from the 
defilement of our fallen nature." He frequented for 
some time the meetings of persons of various reli- 
gious denominations, but he found, that he could 
not fully unite in the views held by any Christian 
professors excepting those of the Society of Friends: 
to join them was, however no small cross to his 
natural inclination, but he at length felt himself 
constrained openly to avow his belief in the prin- 
ciples held by them, and in the 22d year of his age 
he became united to them in membership. About 
three years afterwards he believed it to be his re- 
ligious duty to speak amongst us, a minister of 
the Gospel. For some time his engagements in this 



GEORGE WITHY. 353 

weighty service were not frequent, but he was 
favoured to grow in grace, and in the knowledge 
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; and thus 
became eminently qualified to advocate the cause 
of righteousness on the earth. He was clear and 
sound in doctrine, and it was his especial concern 
to minister in the ability which God giveth. He 
rebuked with just severity the lukewarm and 
indifferent ; he endeavoured earnestly to incite all 
to a diligent pursuit after heavenly treasure, and 
was often instrumental in conveying comfort and 
encouragement to the humble and drooping mind. 
In the year 1794 he married and settled in his 
native city, where he continued till 1805, when 
he removed with his family to Frenchay. In 
1828 he again changed his residence, settling 
at Melksham, where he continued during the re- 
mainder of his life. In the relations of husband 
and parent he was affectionate and exemplary. 
Diligent in his attendance of meetings for worship 
and discipline, and carefully encouraged, both by 
example and precept, the frequent reading of the 
Holy Scriptures. He often visited those, to 
whom he thought he could suitably administer, 
either admonition or encouragement, and in his 
intercourse with persons not in profession with us, 
was a useful and efficient member of civil society, 
and whilst he faithfully supported the Christian 
principles, upheld by Friends, his zeal was so tem- 
pered w T ith charity, that he was beloved and 
respected by those, who did not unite in his reli- 
gious views. 

Our dear friend's time was much devoted to 
the service of Christ, in proclaiming the glad 
30* 



354 GEORGE WITHY. 

tidings of the Gospel. He visited most, if not all, 
of the meetings of Friends in England and Wales, 
was four times in Ireland, once in Scotland, and 
in the years 1821 and 1822 he paid an extensive 
visit to Friends in North America. ' His labours 
of love were not confined to the members of our 
own religious Society, but his mind was often 
attracted towards Christians of other denomina- 
tions, and he was frequently engaged in holding 
meetings with them. 

He continued, as long as bodily strength per- 
mitted, to exercise his gift in the ministry to the 
edification and comfort of his friends, who felt that 
his preaching was accompanied with the demon- 
stration of the Spirit and with power. Yet he 
entertained very humbling views of himself as an 
instrument, as is instructively evident in the fol- 
lowing short extract, taken from his memoranda. 
"In the review of my labours in the Gospel, I 
only feel as an unprofitable servant, and have no- 
thing to trust to, or lean upon, but the free mercy 
of God in Christ Jesus : the expression of the 
apostle, I cordially unite with, ' not by works of 
righteousness which we have done, but according 
to his mercy he saveth us, by the washing of re- 
generation and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.' " 

For some years previous to his decease he w r as 
much afflicted with painful disease, and toward 
the last his sufferings were often excruciating. 
Yet, through the power of Divine grace, he was 
preserved in patient resignation to the will of the 
Lord, and though deprived of the use of his limbs, 
and indeed of nearly all power of voluntary motion, 
yet such was the peaceful tranquillity and holy joy 



GEORGE WITHY. 355 

which covered his spirit, that he could say, " it 
was the happiest period of his life ;" and that " he 
would not willingly exchange situations with those 
in perfect health ;" that u his heart was fixed 
trusting in his God ;" and many times expressed 
his unclouded assurance that all would be well. 
In the full belief that a mansion was prepared for 
him in his Father's house in heaven, he longed 
for the period of his release from his afflicted 
tabernacle, yet meekly acquiesced in the Divine 
will — declaring that his hopes of final acceptance 
rested entirely on the free and unmerited mercy 
of God in Christ Jesus. 

At one time he remarked, " I have not lan- 
guage to express the consolations I feel ; death 
has lost his sting, ' Thanks be to God, which 
giveth me the victory through our Lord Jesus 
Christ.'" Again he said, " My prospect is all 
cheerful, I have not a cloud on my path." 

After alluding to the pleasure which he derived 
from the society of his family connexions, he said, 
" Tt is hard to part from them, but to be present 
with the Lord is far better ; I have great joy and 
peace in believing that I shall be saved, through 
the adorable mercy of God in Christ Jesus my 
Saviour." Afterwards being in great pain, he 
acknowledged that in his sufferings, he had abun- 
dant consolations, and this expression often dwelt 
on his lips, and filled his heart with holy triumph, 
" The eternal God is my refuge, and underneath 
are the everlasting arms." Taking leave of a 
relation, he said, " Though I walk through the 
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil* 
for the Lord is with me, his rod and his staff they 



356 GEORGE WITHY. 

comfort me." This was the last expression indi- 
cative of his state of mind. At a quarter before 
twelve o'clock on the following day he quietly 
departed, aged 74 years. 

For some hours previous to the solemn close, 
his pains ceased, and his redeemed spirit left its 
earthly tenement without sigh or struggle, to 
receive that blessed crown of righteousness which 
is laid up for all those who love the appearing of 
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

The following extracts from some of his last 
letters will show the peaceful, confiding state of 
his mind in the prospect of death, and the support 
he derived from those Christian principles which 
he had long held and preached to others. 

" I have very little confidence in medical aid, 
and being fully resigned to the Divine disposal, I 
leave the issue to him who ordereth all things 
aright. Through mercy I am favoured with calm 
resignation, and am without anxiety on any sub- 
ject, which I esteem a great favour, and not at 
my command. ! The consolations of the Gospel' 
are mercifully vouchsafed, and yield me unfailing 
support in seasons of great weakness. I mostly 
get out to meetings, and though my voice is very 
weak, and I articulate with difficulty, yet I am 
enabled in silence to experience that there is a 
river, the streams whereof make glad the heritage 
of God, ' the holy place of the tabernacles of the 
Most High.' I have great cause of thankfulness 
for the many mercies with which I am surrounded, 
and hope while memory lasts ' in all things to 
rejoice, and in all things to give thanks.' " 

In another — " Through mercy I am resigned 



GEORGE WITHY. 357 

to my situation, and desire to say amen to all 
the dispensations of an unerring Providence, so 
that I may but be favoured to finish my course 
with joy, and the ministry I have received of the 
Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of 
God. I wish to convey to thee, in terms that can- 
not be misunderstood, that amid all my increased 
infirmities, my faith in the unchangeable Gospel 
of Christ has undergone no change since we part- 
ed, except that I trust the path shines brighter and 
brighter unto the perfect day. Should I never 
again have an apportunity to tell thee, I now do 
it with great sincerity, that it is my belief, that 
the inward revelation of the will of God to man 
by the operation of his Holy Spirit, is the only 
ground of hope of having our understandings 
opened, availingly to see into the mystery of the 
redeeming love of God, in and through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. It is only by a due submission 
to this inwardly revealed will, that we can per- 
ceive and feel the advantage and efficacy of the 
sacrifice of our dear Redeemer on Calvary's mount, 
where I believe he tasted death for every man." 

In another of later date he says, 

" It seems more than probable my time will 
not be protracted very long in this probationary 
state, and through redeeming love and mercy I 
am enabled to anticipate the close without dismay ; 
fully believing that through the efficacy of the 
merits and mediation of a crucified Lord, death 
will have no sting, nor the grave any victory. I 
mention this in the deepest humility, to satisfy 
thee on a point in which I know thou wilt feel a 
deep and lively interest, should thou survive me in 



358 GEORGE WITHY. 

the journey through time. I remain unmoved in 
all points of Christian doctrine as held by our 
early Friends, and by faithful brethren since 
their time. The repeated efforts I have to make 
in order to finish my letter, forcibly remind me 
that here we have no continuing city. May the 
feeling of infirmity quicken my diligence in the 
great work of the day, so that when the solemn 
period arrives in which I must bid a final farewell 
to all visible things, I may through Divine mercy 
be enabled to adopt the language, ' Although the 
earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, I 
have a building of God, a house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens.' There, with the 
collected just of all generations, I shall be forever 
with the Lord, employed in the unceasing song of 
thanksgivings and praise to Him who is the author 
and finisher of our faith, and who wrought all our 
works in us. I continue to feel very feeble, and 
this day am particularly languid ; pray for me 
that my faith and patience fail not. O happy 
change, when the pains and conflicts of time will 
be exchanged for the ineffable joys of a never 
ending eternity. I often think of the description 
of the happy state of the blessed, where it is said, 
c A rainbow surrounds the throne ;' intimating 
that ' storms shall cease, and tempests rage no 
more, but one unclouded spring forever bloom.' 

Whilst tracing the Christian course of this our 
dear and honoured friend, and that of many others 
whose experience has been recorded in the pages 
of this volume, how deeply instructive and how 
encouraging are the evidences, that a soul-ani- 



GEORGE WITHY. 359 

mating faith in the efficacy and all-atoning virtue 
of the blood of Jesus, (which, when applied to the 
heart by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, 
cleanseth us from all sin,) has been found sufficient 
to anchor the immortal spirit on the Rock of Ages, 
and to prepare it to enter, with hopes full of im- 
mortality, on the awfully mysterious realities of 
an invisible and never-ending state of existence. 

Reader — if it has happily been thy chief con- 
cern, to obtain the like precious faith — " may the 
God of all grace, who hath called us unto His 
eternal glory by Christ Jesus, stablish, strengthen, 
settle" thee. But if, on reading these lines, " the 
faithful witness" within — the Spirit of Him whose 
" eyes" are " as a flame of fire," penetrating the 
most secret recesses of the heart, should testify, 
that the fleeting pursuits of time have too much 
engrossed thy attention, and veiled from thy view 
the infinite importance of seeking " first the king- 
dom of God, and His righteousness," — mayst 
thou become solemnly impressed with the danger 
of delaying, even for a moment, to come unto 
Christ, to seek, in deep humiliation and penitence 
of soul, to be reconciled to the Father through 
Him ; that so, by yielding to the converting influ- 
ence of Divine grace, thou mayest no longer live 
unto thyself, but unto Him who died for thee, and 
rose again. " The Spirit and the Bride say, Come. 
And let him that heareth say, Come. And let 
him that is athirst, come. And whosoever will^ 
let him take the water of life freely." 



INDEX 



Alexander, Edward 
Alexander, Mary 
Allen, Margaret 
Atkins, Esther 

Binns, Joseph 
Brown, Dorcas 
Brewster, Ann 
Byrd, William 
Byrd, Rebecca 

Collins, Elizabeth 

Ferris, David 
Field, Hannah 
Fowler, Rachel 
Fry, Joseph Storrs 
Fry, Ann 

Gilkes, Arthur 
Green, Sarah 

Harris, Isabella 
Hargrave, William 

Jordan, Richard 
Knight, Sarah 



102 

276 

86 

73 

295 

199 

81 

56 

66 

12 

109 
37 
239 
246 
252 

326 
305 

50 
338 

150 
212 



Linney, Elizabeth 264 

Lury, Anne Harford 188 

Mennel, Isaac 207 

Mogridge, Robert 29 

Moline, Robert 138 

Mounsey, John 316 

Nicholson, James 292 

Pemberton, John 128 

Pirn, John 145 

Richardson, Thomas 225 

Ridgway, Elizabeth 300 

Shillitoe, Thomas 254 

Smith, Martha 280 

Stacey, Mary 284 

Stansfield, Richard 332 

Stephenson, Isaac 32 

Sutton, David 195 

Underhill, Andrew 176 



Watson, Mary 
White, Joseph 
Williams, Thomas 
Withy, George 



10 

5 

235 

351 



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